Abstract: A hydroentangled fibrous structure. The hydroentangled fibrous structure can be incorporated into an absorbent article. Methods of forming a hydroentangled fibrous structure are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing furnish for a paper product, wherein the manufactured furnish contains fibril cellulose material. The method includes introducing first raw material to a system, which first raw material includes cellulose pulp, introducing second raw material to the system, which second raw material includes cellulose fibers that are oxidized by nitroxyl-mediated oxidation of hydroxyl groups of the cellulose, conveying the first raw material and the second raw material to a refiner, and refining and mixing the first raw material and the second raw material in the refiner in order to produce furnish including fibril cellulose material. In addition, this invention relates to a system for manufacturing furnish and to a paper product.

Abstract: A process for producing a microfiber product stream is provided comprising: (A) contacting cut multicomponent fibers having a length of less than 25 millimeters with a heated aqueous stream in a fiber opening zone to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester to produce an opened microfiber slurry; wherein the heated aqueous stream is at a temperature of at least 40° C.; and (B) routing the opened microfiber slurry to a primary solid liquid separation zone to produce the microfiber product stream and a first mother liquor stream; wherein the first mother liquor stream comprises water and the water dispersible sulfopolyester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispersible nonwoven fabric comprising pulp and solvent spun cellulosic fibers, characterized in that the solvent spun cellulosic fibers are fibrillated. Furthermore the invention concerns the use of the fabric in dry wipes and wet wipes.

Abstract: A process for separating a first mother liquor stream is provided. The process comprises: separating a first mother liquor stream in a second solid liquid separation zone to produce a secondary wet cake stream and a second mother liquor stream; wherein the first mother liquor stream comprises water non-dispersible microfiber, water, and water dispersible sulfopolyester; wherein the second mother liquor stream comprises water and water dispersible sulfopolyester; and wherein the secondary wet cake stream comprises water non-dispersible polymer microfiber.

Abstract: A paper or nonwoven article is provided comprising a nonwoven web layer, wherein the nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of fibers and a plurality of binder microfibers, wherein the binder microfibers comprise a water non-dispersible, synthetic polymer; wherein the binder microfibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a fineness of less than 0.5 d/f; and wherein the binder microfibers have a melting temperature that is less than the melting temperature of the fibers.

Abstract: A process of making a paper or nonwoven article is provide. The process comprising: a) providing a fiber furnish comprising a plurality of fibers and a plurality of binder microfibers, wherein the binder microfibers comprise a water non-dispersible, synthetic polymer; wherein the binder microfibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a fineness of less than 0.5 d/f; and wherein the binder microfibers have a melting temperature that is less than the melting temperature of the fibers; b) routing the fiber furnish to a wet-laid nonwoven process to produce at least one wet-laid nonwoven web layer; c) removing water from the wet-laid nonwoven web layer; and d) thermally bonding the wet-laid nonwoven web layer after step (c); wherein the thermal bonding is conducted at a temperature such that the surfaces of the binder microfibers at least partially melt without causing the fibers to melt thereby bonding the binder microfibers to the fibers to produce the paper or nonwoven article.

Abstract: A dispersible article and methods of making the same. The article has a web of fibers and a dried binder in contact with the fibers. The web of fibers has a basis weight of from about 10 gsm to about 150 gsm. The dried binder has a polyfunctional aldehyde and a primary polymer. The primary polymer has at least one functional group that is reactive with the fibers or the polyfunctional aldehyde. The fibers have at least one functional group that is reactive with the polyfunctional aldehyde or the primary polymer. The article has a cross direction wet tensile strength after 15 minutes of aqueous saturation that is at least about 30% of an initial cross direction wet tensile strength. The article is flushable.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-ply wiper/towel product with cellulosic microfibers. The method includes compactively dewatering a nascent web that includes at least about 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfibers and has an apparently random distribution of fibers. The dewatered web having the apparently random distribution of fibers is applied to a transfer surface. The web is belt-creped from the transfer surface utilizing a generally planar polymeric creping belt provided with a plurality of perforations through the belt. The belt-creping step occurs under pressure in a belt creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping belt. The web is dried to form a dried web that includes a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions protruding from an upper side of the dried web. The hollow domed regions have a sidewall of a relatively high local basis weight formed along at least a leading edge thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-ply wiper/towel product with cellulosic microfibers. The method includes compactively dewatering a nascent web that includes at least about 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfibers and has an apparently random distribution of fibers. The dewatered web having the apparently random distribution of fibers is applied to a transfer surface. The web is belt-creped from the transfer surface utilizing a creping belt. The belt-creping step occurs under pressure in a belt creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping belt. The web is dried to form a dried web having a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions protruding from an upper side of the dried web. The hollow domed regions have a sidewall of a relatively high local basis weight formed along at least a leading edge thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon fiber web including polymer nanofibers. Specifically, the carbon fiber web includes: a dispersed structure of carbon fibers; and polymer nanofibers distributed among and bonding the constituent carbon fibers of the dispersed structure. The carbon fiber web exhibits excellent characteristics in terms of flexural strength, gas permeability and electrical properties while possessing a tensile strength sufficient to undergo continuous processes for mass production. Also disclosed are a gas diffusion medium using the carbon fiber web, a gas diffusion layer including the gas diffusion medium, a membrane electrode assembly including the gas diffusion layer, and a fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly. The use of the carbon fiber web ensures high performance of the membrane electrode assembly and the fuel cell.

Abstract: A process for producing a microfiber product stream is provided comprising: (A) contacting short cut multicomponent fibers having a length of less than 25 millimeters with a treated aqueous stream in a fiber slurry zone to produce a short cut multicomponent fiber slurry; (B) contacting the short cut multicomponent fiber slurry and a heated aqueous stream in a fiber opening zone to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester to produce an opened microfiber slurry; and (C) routing the opened microfiber slurry to a primary solid liquid separation zone to produce the microfiber product stream and a first mother liquor stream.

Abstract: A process for producing a microfiber product stream, the process comprising: (A) contacting short cut multicomponent fibers having a length of less than 25 millimeters with a heated aqueous stream in a mix zone to produce a short cut multicomponent fiber slurry; (B) routing the short cut multicomponent fiber slurry and optionally, a heated aqueous stream, to a fiber opening zone to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester to produce an opened microfiber slurry; and (C) routing the opened microfiber slurry to a primary solid liquid separation zone to produce the microfiber product stream and a first mother liquor stream.

Abstract: Methods for making a molded non-woven carbon fiber containing mat are provided, along with the resulting mats. Furthermore, methods are generally provided for using the molded non-woven carbon fiber containing mat to form a molded product, along with the resulting molded products.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide staple fibers suitable for manufacturing a wet-laid nonwoven fabric having excellent adhesive strength and heat resistance at a reduced environmental burden, a manufacturing method of the same, and a nonwoven fabric using the staple fibers. The object can be achieved by polyalkylene terephthalate or polyalkylene naphthalate staple fiber wet nonwoven fabric having excellent adhesive strength and heat resistance that are provided by blending and thermal-compression bonding of low oriented yarn and fully oriented yarn, wherein a specific ratio of biomass-derived carbon, fineness, fiber length, and a weight ratio between fully oriented staple fibers and low oriented staple fibers in the wet-laid nonwoven fabric are used to obtain a fine low oriented yarn having excellent binder performance and a fine fully oriented yarn having an unprecedented level of fineness.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for papermaking. In embodiments, the systems include a first population of fibers dispersed in an aqueous solution and complexed with an activator, and a second population of composite additive particles bearing a tethering material, wherein the addition of the second population to the first population attaches the composite additive particles to the fibers by the interaction of the activator and the tethering material. Methods for forming a fibrous web are also disclosed, in addition to paper products formed from such fibrous webs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ferromagnetic materials based on nano-sized bacterial cellulose templates. More specifically, the present invention provides an agglomerate free magnetic nanoparticle cellulose material and a method of forming such magnetic nanoparticle cellulose material. Further, the magnetic nonoparticles are physically attached on the cellulose material and evenly distribute.

Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface using a disposable cellulosic wiper that includes from about 25% or more by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers. The pulp-derived papermaking fibers have a characteristic scattering coefficient of less than 50 m2/kg. The wiper also has from about 25% to about 75% by weight of fibrillated regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers. The fibers are finer than 14 mesh, have a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml, have a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns, and are present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a scattering coefficient of greater than 50 m2/kg. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of unmodified or cyanoethylated nanocellulose was found to have greater strength than kraft paper after immersion in oil at high temperature, making it useful as an insulation material for transformers. A mixture of nanocellulose and polymetaphenylene isophthalamide has further improved properties for use as an insulating material.

Abstract: A base paper of aramid fiber honeycomb core and its manufacturing method are provided. The base paper comprises 11-90 parts by weight of structural fiber, 10-70 parts by weight of crosslinking fiber, and 0-19 parts by weight of additive fiber, wherein the structural fiber is poly(p-phenylene terephthal amide) fiber, the crosslinking fiber is poly(m-phenylene isophthal amide) fibrid, and the additive is polyester fiber.

Abstract: A method of making a nonwoven fibrous mat that retains good strength and recovery after scoring and folding, properties making the mat useful in making collapsible ceiling tile. The mat comprises a majority of glass fibers and a minority of polymer fibers, the fibers being bound together with up to 35 wt. percent of a polyacrylic acid and polyol polymer binder based on the dry weight of the mat. The mat can be cured to “B stage”, thermoformed into the desired shape and then heated further to complete the cure of the binder.

Abstract: A composition for use as a strengthening agent in the wet-end of papermaking which comprises a surface modified non-wood plant fiber and a starch component.

Abstract: Fibrous cellulosic products incorporating both conventional cellulosic fibers and laterally expanded cellulose fibers exhibit exceptional porosity, bulk, absorbency and resiliency properties. Typical products include absorbent tissue products, absorbent fluff products and flat papers. The laterally expanded cellulose fibers exhibit: (i) a broadened X-Ray diffraction peak for the most prominent reflection having a width at half-height, (W1/2h)A, of at least about 3.0° 2?, (ii) broad overlapping maxima in their Raman spectrum between 285 and 500 cm?1, the height of the two tallest of said maxima in said spectrum between 285 and 500 cm?1 being between 35 and 50% of the height of the peak near 1098 cm?1 and (iii) a blue stain when treated with Graff C-stain, the stain exhibiting less red than the stains exhibited with bleached hardwood kraft fibers and bleached softwood kraft fibers.

Abstract: A disposable cellulosic wiper includes a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers having a characteristic scattering coefficient of less than 50 m2/kg, and a percentage by weight of fibrillated regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a scattering coefficient of greater than 50 m2/kg.

Abstract: A polyphenylene sulfide fiber has an amount of heat of crystallization measured by DSC is 10 J/g or more and the degree of shrinkage on dry heating of 150° C.×30 minutes is 20% or less. A method produces a densified wet-laid nonwoven fabric by subjecting paper produced in a papermaking process and containing 60 to 100% by mass of a polyphenylene sulfide fiber having an amount of heat of crystallization of 10 J/g or more and an amount of heat of crystallization of the wet-laid nonwoven fabric before heating-pressurizing treatments is 5 J/g or more to heating-pressurizing treatment at a temperature that is not lower than the glass transition temperature and not higher than the melting point of the polyphenylene sulfide fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to annual crop straw and stalk fibers having properties suitable for use in paper, paperboard, and related products disposable paper plates, cups, and bowls, molded and thermoformed pulp products, disposable food handling containers, tissue and toweling, and absorbent products such as airlaid roll goods, wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene articles. Annual crop straw or stalk is the waste product from the harvesting of the food including soy, wheat, corn, rice, and oats. The food chain is not impacted by use of these stalks and straw. Currently, most of the straw or stalk is burned, tilled under for soil amendment, or otherwise disposed of. Use of this stalk or straw for paper, paperboard and related products, and absorbent products manufacture including any product made from cellulose fibers represents an opportunity to provide additional income to farmers and a green alternative to wood pulp and therefore conserve trees.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyimide short fibers having an extremely high heat resistance, suitable for non-woven fabrics and paper, and having many branches. Specifically, disclosed are polyimide short fibers having many branches, which are produced by beating and loosening a specific foamed polyimide material. The foamed material preferably comprises a polyimide produced using 2,3,3?,4?-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid as an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component, preferably has a glass transition temperature of 300° C. or higher, and preferably has an expansion ratio of 20 times or more.

Abstract: To provide a water disintegratable fibrous sheet with high water disintegratability and wet strength, that can be used as a cleaning sheet. A prescribed water disintegratable fibrous sheet comprising 30-50% by mass of unbeaten pulp (a) with a beating degree of 700 cc or greater; 20-40% by mass of beaten pulp (b) with a beating degree of 400-700 cc; 15-45% by mass of regenerated cellulose (c) with a beating degree of 700 cc or greater; and 2-15% by mass of fibrillated purified cellulose (d) with a beating degree of 0-400 cc.

Abstract: The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The fiber webs may exhibit a high dust holding capacity. The fiber webs may also exhibit a low thickness. The fiber webs may be sufficiently flexible and/or deformable so that they may be processed to include a series of waves (also known as flutes) that extend along the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: A multi-ply wiper/towel product includes at least one wet laid web having at least 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfiber, and at least about 40% wood pulp derived papermaking fibers. The at least one wet laid web has formed therein (i) a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions on the upper side of the at least one wet laid web having a relatively high local basis weight, (ii) connecting regions having a relatively lower local basis weight forming a network interconnecting the relatively high local basis weight domed regions of the one wet laid web, and (iii) transition areas with upwardly and inwardly inflected consolidated fibrous regions transitioning from the connecting regions into the domed regions.

Abstract: A cellulose pulp sheet is provided that is formed from never-dried kraft pulp and fibrillated fibers, such as lyocell. The pulp sheet provides several beneficial features as a result of both the use of fibrillated fibers and never-dried kraft pulp, particularly when the pulp sheet is used to form air-laid absorbent materials that include superabsorbent polymers.

Abstract: Filter media suitable for various applications and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are described. The filter media may include a fiber web having a mixture comprising non-fibrillated synthetic fibers and fibrillated fibers, such as lyocell. The fiber web may also include multi-component fibers (e.g., bi-component fibers). In some embodiments, glass fibers are not incorporated into the fiber web.

Abstract: This invention relates to annual crop straw and stalk fibers having properties suitable for use in paper, paperboard, and related products disposable paper plates, cups, and bowls, molded and thermoformed pulp products, disposable food handling containers, tissue and toweling, and absorbent products such as airlaid roll goods, wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene articles. Annual crop straw or stalk is the waste product from the harvesting of the food including soy, wheat, corn, rice, and oats. The food chain is not impacted by use of these stalks and straw. Currently, most of the straw or stalk is burned, tilled under for soil amendment, or otherwise disposed of. Use of this stalk or straw for paper, paperboard and related products, and absorbent products manufacture including any product made from cellulose fibers represents an opportunity to provide additional income to farmers and a green alternative to wood pulp and therefore conserve trees.

Abstract: Synthetic paper, including: between 10 and 90 wt. % of structural fibers, and between 90 and 10 wt. % of bonding fibers. The structural fibers are poly(p-phenylene telephthalamide) (PPTA) fibers having a fineness of between 1 and 2 d, and a length of between 3 and 10 mm. The bonding fibers are fibrids or a pulp of the PPTA. The structural fibers and the bonding fibers are shaped by a wet-forming papermaking method, and hot rolled to form the synthetic paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of papermaking. More in particular, the invention relates to the use of a novel dry strength agent in the wet-end of the papermaking process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medical material comprising biodegradable compounds.

Abstract: A multi-ply wiper/towel product includes at least one wet laid web including at least 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfiber, and at least about 40% wood pulp derived papermaking fibers. The at least one wet laid web has formed therein (i) a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions on the upper side of the at least one wet laid web having a relatively high local basis weight, and (ii) connecting regions of a relatively lower local basis weight forming a network interconnecting the relatively high local basis weight domed regions of the one wet laid web. Transition areas are provided in the at least one wet laid web with upwardly and inwardly inflected consolidated fibrous regions transitioning from the connecting regions into the domed regions, and the at least one wet laid web exhibits a differential pore volume for pores under 5 microns in a diameter of at least about 75 mm3/g/micron.

Abstract: Soft and strong fibrous structures and more particularly soft and strong fibrous structures that contains less softwood fibers than known fibrous structures and methods for making such soft and strong fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: Soft and strong fibrous structures and more particularly soft and strong fibrous structures that contains less softwood fibers than known fibrous structures and methods for making such soft and strong fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: Sulfopolyester thermoplastic resins provide advantages in papermaking processes and in paper products including paperboard. Improvements in wet strength and dry strength of paper products are achieved by addition of sulfopolyester thermoplastic resins and cationic strength additives during the paper making process. The use of sulfopolyester thermoplastic resins in paper products also significantly enhances the repulpability of the paper.

Abstract: A process for producing a microfiber product stream, the process comprising: (A) contacting cut multicomponent fibers having a length of less than 25 millimeters with a treated aqueous stream in a fiber slurry zone to produce a cut multicomponent fiber slurry; (B) contacting the cut multicomponent fiber slurry with a heated aqueous stream in a mix zone to produce a heated multicomponent fiber slurry; (C) routing the heated multicomponent fiber slurry to a fiber opening zone to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester to produce an opened microfiber slurry; and (D) routing the opened microfiber slurry to a primary solid liquid separation zone to produce the microfiber product stream and a first mother liquor stream.

Abstract: A process for producing a microfiber product stream, the process comprising: (A) contacting short cut multicomponent fibers having a length of less than 25 millimeters with a heated aqueous stream in a mix zone to produce a short cut multicomponent fiber slurry; (B) routing the short cut multicomponent fiber slurry and optionally, a heated aqueous stream, to a fiber opening zone to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester to produce an opened microfiber slurry; and (C) routing the opened microfiber slurry to a primary solid liquid separation zone to produce the microfiber product stream and a first mother liquor stream.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separator for alkaline battery and an alkaline battery capable of reducing the internal resistance of the alkaline battery so as to improve the heavy load discharge performance. The separator for alkaline battery is a separator for separating a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material of the alkaline battery from each other, the separator containing 40% or more by weight of cellulose fibers, and 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of polyamine-epichlorohydrin resin in terms of resin solid content. The alkaline battery has its positive electrode active material and negative electrode active material separated from each other by the separator.

Abstract: A method for preparing aramid insulating paper, includes the operations of: providing aramid pulp slurry and aramid short fiber slurry at respective desired concentrations; blending, beating and fluffing the aramid pulp slurry and the aramid short fiber slurry in a given ratio to afford a paper pulp at a desired concentration; transiting the paper pulp to a papermaking machine fitted with a head box to form and make wet paper sheets; pressing to dewater the wet paper sheets and drying the dewatered paper sheets; and calendering the dried paper sheets at a high temperature to obtain the aramid insulating paper, wherein in operation iii), at least one ultrasonic generator is mounted on the head box to apply directional ultrasonic waves to the paper pulp flowing through the heat box. The aramid insulating paper prepared according to the method of the invention has enhanced strength, smoothness and uniformity.

Abstract: Sheet-like products are disclosed containing an additive composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive composition is applied to a creping surface. A base sheet is then pressed against the creping surface for contact with the additive composition. The base sheet is then creped from the creping surface causing the additive composition to transfer to the base sheet. In particular, the additive composition is transferred to the base sheet in amounts greater than about 1% by weight, such as from about 2% to about 50% by weight. The additive composition can comprise, for instance, a thermoplastic polymer resin containing an aqueous dispersion, a lotion, a debonder, a softener, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic and polyareneazole pulp for use as reinforcement material in products including for example fluid sealing materials, as a processing aid including its use as a thixotrope, and as a filter material. The pulp comprises (a) irregularly shaped, thermoplastic fiber fibrous structures, (b) irregularly shaped, polyareneazole fibrous structures and (c) water, whereby thermoplastic fiber fibrils and/or stalks are substantially entangled with polyareneazole fibrils and/or stalks. The invention further relates to processes for making such thermoplastic and polyareneazole pulp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibrous pulp comprising a combination of polypyridobisimidazole fibrous structures and fibrous structures derived from another polymer. The invention further relates to processes for making such pulp and articles comprising the pulp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoset and polyareneazole pulp for use as reinforcement material in products including for example fluid seals and friction materials, as a processing aid including its use as a thioxotrope, and as a filter material. The pulp comprises (a) irregularly shaped, thermoset fiber fibrous structures, (b) irregularly shaped, polyareneazole fibrous structures and (c) water whereby thermoset fiber fibrils and/or stalks are substantially entangled with polyareneazole fibrils and/or stalks. The invention further relates to processes for making such thermoset and polyareneazole pulp.

Abstract: Soft and strong fibrous structures and more particularly soft and strong fibrous structures that contains less softwood fibers than known fibrous structures and methods for making such soft and strong fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: An article and soil capture agent for cleaning a surface.