Abstract: The invention concerns a process for making a fibrillated polypyridobisimidazole floc comprising the steps of: cutting polypyridobisimidazole filaments to an average cut length of from about 0.5 to 10 mm; and applying energy to the polypyridobisimidazole filaments to produce a fibrillated floc having essentially the same average cut length after the application of energy as before the application of energy; where the fibrillated floc having a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF), when dispersed in water by itself, of from about 400 to 750 ml.

Abstract: The invention consists in the use, in a method for manufacturing a sheet of paper, of an aqueous suspension and/or dispersion of mineral materials as an agent for slowing the penetration of the paper coating into said sheet, characterized in that said suspension and/or dispersion contains at least one water-soluble copolymer made up of at least one ethylenically-unsaturated anionic monomer, and at least one ethylenically-unsaturated oxylalkylated monomer terminated by a hydrophobic chain. It also consists in a method for manufacturing a sheet of paper which implements said copolymer, as well as the sheet of paper obtained.

Abstract: Fibrous structures comprising an oil system, sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures and processes for making such fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products are provided. More particularly, fibrous structures comprising an oil system comprising a non-silicone oil comprising a triglyceride having a fatty acid profile containing a palmitic acid content of greater than about 15 wt %, sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures and processes for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous structure including a plurality of synthetic fibers disposed in a predetermined pattern and a plurality of cellulosic fibers generally randomly distributed throughout at least one layer of the fibrous structure. The method includes depositing an aqueous slurry including synthetic fibers and an aqueous slurry including cellulosic fibers onto a fluid-permeable forming member having a pattern of channels. The slurries are dewatered to form a fibrous web, wherein the at least some of the cellulosic fibers are randomly distributed throughout at least a portion of the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers are at least partially non-randomly distributed in the channels.

Abstract: Aramid fibrils having in the wet phase a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value less than 100 ml, after drying a specific surface area (SSA) less than 7 m2/g, and a weight weighted length for particles having a length >250 ?m (WL 0.25) less than 1.2 mm, are described. A method of preparing the fibrils includes the steps (a) polymerizing an aromatic diamine and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid halide to an aramid polymer, in a mixture of N-methylpyrrolidone or dimethylacetamide and calcium chloride or lithium chloride to obtain a dope wherein the polymer is dissolved in the mixture and the polymer concentration is 2 to 6 wt. %, (b) converting the dope to fibrils by using a jet spin nozzle under a gas stream, and (c) coagulating the fibrils using a coagulation jet.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric laminates suitable for use as semipermeable membrane supports are produced by forming a spunbond nonwoven fabric first layer of continuous thermoplastic polymer filaments; forming a wet-laid nonwoven fabric second layer of discrete length thermoplastic polymer fibers; and bonding the first and second layers in opposing face-to-face relationship to form a composite support, where the first and second layers define first and second outer surfaces of the composite support. The resulting semipermeable membrane supports provide an advantageous balance of properties, including smoothness, porosity, interlaminar adhesion, and flux properties.

Abstract: A simplified manufacturing technique to directly form unitized composite structures optionally with at least one relatively flat surface and with at least one surface having raised mound-like elements in an internally-bonded unitized composite is provided. A matrix of fibrous and or other material elements is deposited in un-bonded layers. At least one element is composed of a contractive material which shrinks relative to the other component elements when activated, such as by heating in an oven, to become an internally bonded unitized composite with z-direction raised mound-like texturing after the activation step. Finished product applications and unitized composite webs suitable for finished products employing the inventions are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of first threads coupled to and extending from a substrate, and a plurality of second threads coupled to and extending from the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of first threads comprises a plurality of synthetic filaments, each of the plurality of filaments comprises a plurality of synthetic microfibers, each of the plurality of second threads is adjacent to at least one of the plurality of first threads, and each of the plurality of second threads does not comprise synthetic microfibers.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers onto a forming member so as to form one or more layers including the mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers; providing a plurality of long cellulosic fibers onto the mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers so as to form one or more layers including predominantly long cellulosic fibers; and forming a unitary fibrous structure including the one or more layers including the mixture of synthetic fibers and short cellulosic fibers and one or more layers including predominantly long cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a durable paper or paperboard substrate containing an effective amount of synthetic fibers and having enhanced strength in the machine direction and the cross direction, as well enhanced strength through the cross section of the sheet. The present invention further relates to methods of making and using the substrate.

Abstract: Discrete particles of cellulosic material are flowable and meterable. They are easily dispersible in an aqueous or a dry medium. The particles comprise singulated cellulose fibers that have been densified. The particles have a density of at least 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: A composite sheet, and a process of making the same, including cured modified urea formaldehyde reinforced by glass fibers. The modifier is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. A roofing shingle, formed by coating the composite sheet with filled asphalt, represents a major application of the composite sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet made from an air-laid fiber web includes a functional emboss pattern of a continuous (wave-like) shape extending in the machine direction of the sheet. The emboss pattern defines a plurality of compressed regions operative to preferentially convey sorbed liquid away from the point of insult to prevent product failure. The sheet is particularly useful as absorbent core material within a multi-layer absorbent pad. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making absorbent sheet utilizing an emboss roll provided with radially projecting circumferential sinuate bosses.

Abstract: A process for producing wiping products and wiping products made by the process are disclosed. According to the present invention, a paper web is treated on both sides with a bonding material. After the bonding material is applied, the web is then subjected to a dry rush transfer process during which the web is conveyed from a first moving conveyor to a second moving conveyor. The second moving conveyor generally has a speed slower than the first moving conveyor causing a shearing force to be exerted on the web. The shearing force decreases the stiffness of the web. In one embodiment, an uncreped throughdried base web is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrode substrates for electrochemical cells, particularly low-temperature fuel cells, and processes for their production. Low-cost carbon fiber paper structures are used as precursor for preparation of an all-carbon product that has a high electric conductivity and porosity and can be processed in a continuous reel-to-reel mode. These paper materials are further impregnated and processed to adjust the final product properties. This all-carbon electrode substrate is not brittle thereby avoiding the main disadvantage of the prior art.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard contains at least one layer of cellulose fibers. The one layer is at least partially composed of bulky fibers. The paperboard is sufficiently insulated to provide a hot water ?T across the paperboard of at least 0.7° C.±2.3° C. per 0.1 mm of caliper. The paperboard may be embossed to decrease surface transmission of heat. A hot cup may be produced from the insulating paperboard.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric laminates suitable for use as semipermeable membrane supports are provided. The fabric laminates generally include at least two layers: a spunbond layer of continuous filament fibers and a wet-laid layer of discontinuous filaments. The resulting semipermeable membrane supports provide an advantageous balance of properties, including smoothness, porosity, interlaminar adhesion, and flux properties.

Abstract: A fibrous structure and method for making the fibrous structure, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of cellulosic fibers onto a forming member having a pattern of channels such that at least some of the cellulosic fibers are disposed in the channels; providing a plurality of synthetic fibers onto the cellulosic fibers such that the synthetic fibers are disposed adjacent to the cellulosic fibers; and forming the unitary fibrous structure from the synthetic fibers and the cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulosic fibrous material comprising a radiation activatable resin, structures comprising such fibrous material, and absorbent articles especially disposable absorbent articles, comprising such fibrous materials or structures. It further relates to a process to make such fibrous material, structures or articles.

Abstract: A heat-resistant fiber paper sheet which is formed from staple fibers made from a heat-resistant organic polymer, undrawn or low ratio drawn para-aromatic polyamide staple fibers, and an organic resin binder and/or fibrids comprising a heat-resistant organic polymer as main components, wherein the amount of said staple fibers is 45 to 97 percent by weight based on the total amount of said heat-resistant fiber paper sheet; the total amount of said organic resin binder and/or said fibrids is 3 to 55 percent by weight based on the total amount of said heat-resistant fiber paper sheet; and said organic resin binder is cured, and/or said undrawn or low ratio drawn para-aromatic polyamide staple fibers and said fibrids are partially softened, deformed and/or melted to exhibit the actions of binders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven web comprised of metal or refractory fibers with nylon as a binder. The nonwoven web is prepared by forming a foam furnish by agitating the fibers in a foamed medium, and passing the foam furnish onto a screen and defoaming the furnish. It is preferred that the nylon binder is added to the foam furnish in the form of fibers. Once the furnish is defoamed to form a nonwoven web, the sheet is dried at a temperature sufficient to melt the nylon binder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated paper wherein the paper has capabilities and functionalities provided by both the fiber and the active agent ingredients, and a method of immobilizing the active agents within the integrated paper. The tight pore structure of the integrated paper of the present invention, a mean pore diameter of less than about 2 microns, provides short diffusion distances from a fluid to the surface of the paper ingredients by adsorption or diffusive interception making it an excellent medium for fluid filtration. The integrated paper of the present invention can further include a microbiological interception enhancing agent. The integrated paper can be formed using, preferably, wet laid paper-making processes for speed and efficiency. Also disclosed are devices utilizing the integrated paper useful in fluid filtration.

Abstract: A fiber cement composite material providing improved rot resistance and durability, the composite material incorporating biocide treated fibrous pulps to resist microorganism attacks. The biocide treated fibers have biocides attached to inner and outer surfaces of individualized fibers to protect the fibers from fungi, bacteria, mold and algae attacks. The biocides selected have strong affinity to cellulose and do not interfere with cement hydration reactions. This invention also discloses the formulation, the method of manufacturing and the final fiber cement products using the biocide treated fibers.

Abstract: A non-woven mat useful for a wide variety of purposes, including forming reinforced resin products, is produced in a manner having different specific uses of, and advantages over, conventional chopped strand mats and conventional glass tissue. The mat is preferably made by the foam process (but may be made by the liquid process), and at speeds well in excess of 60 m./min., and has a substantially uniform construction even when low density (e.g. 100 g/m2 or less). At least 20% (preferably at least 85%) of the fibers are in fiber bundles with between 5-450 fibers/bundle. The fibers (typically at least 85%) have a length between 5-100 mm, preferably 7-50 mm, substantially the same as the length of the fiber bundle they are in. The fibers are preferably held in the bundles by substantially non-water soluble sizing, such as epoxy resin or PVOH. The fibers in the bundles typically have diameters of approximately 7-500 microns, preferably about 7-35 microns.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing a smooth and glossy surfaced paper web. The process comprises subjecting the paper web to shear by using calender rolls driven at different speeds or calender rolls with different diameters. The resulting paper has a totally different structure than the original paper, as it has a much smaller void structure and a much higher degree of bonding between the elements of the sheet. The process is particularly applicable to improving the electrical insulation properties of an aramid paper web.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of applying a composition containing a chemical additive onto a first side of a paper web. The paper web is then wound into a roll. During winding, a portion of the composition transfers from the first side of the web to the second side of the web. Thus, both sides of the web become treated with the composition through a single application of the composition to the web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-disintegratable sheet including water-dispersible fibers and microfibrillated cellulose. The water-dispersible fibers are hydroentangled about each other to provide high fiber density regions and low fiber density regions. The hydroentangled water-dispersible fibers are bonded to each other through a hydrogen bonding power of the microfibrillated cellulose.

Abstract: A mat containing highly machine direction oriented (90% or greater), discontinuous reinforcement fibers, is produced on inclined wire or rotary paper making machinery. Fibers are first uniformly dispersed in an aqueous medium containing thickeners and wetting agents. In one embodiment, antifoaming agents are also added to prevent floating fibers which entangle and reduce orientation. Thermoplastic fibers or particles may also be included. Stock is brought into an open headbox in a flow pattern which allows the fibers to decelerate before approaching the porous suction belt (wire). As the fibers approach the suction belt, the fibers begin to turn and align in the streamline so as to present one end toward the suction wire. The leading ends of the fibers are gripped by the moving belt which drags the fibers out of the dispersion stock in a straight line. The porous mat produced may be dried and bonded through hot air, heat and/or pressure, or chemical binders.

Abstract: A coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating is provided. The coated mat is a cured, non-woven mat including a mixture of fibers having different fiber lengths. The fibers contain a polysiloxane compound and are fixedly distributed in a binder.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of applying a composition containing a chemical additive onto a first side of a paper web. The paper web is then wound into a roll. During winding, a portion of the composition transfers from the first side of the web to the second side of the web. Thus, both sides of the web become treated with the composition through a single application of the composition to the web.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition can contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulp useful for making lyocell fibers. The pulp has a degree of polymerization from about 300 to about 1000; an alpha cellulose content of less than about 90% and in one instance can be made in a roll form. The degree of polymerization can be modified by acid hydrolysis, steam explosion; or alkaline enzymate degradation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating which comprises a cured, non-woven, fiber glass mat containing a polysiloxane wherein the fibers are fixedly distributed in a formaldehyde type binder containing a binder modifier which is a crosslinked styrene/acrylic polymer, and to a process for the preparation of the mat.

Abstract: A papermaking process, and a paper product made from the process, wherein a biodegradable plastic is used with papermaking material. The biodegradeable plastic may be provided as a substrate, with the papermaking material being applied to the substrate. The papermaking material may include recycled paper fibers and/or agricultural crop material. Recycled wood fibers may be applied in a fibrous state or agricultural plant material may be powdered and applied to the substrate. The surface material is affixed to the substrate by the application of heat and pressure or by the use of vegetable slime juice as an adhesive.

Abstract: The use of low specific gravity wood from thinning operations, for example, will produce a lower brownstock viscosity for a given kappa number target. A differential of 200-cP falling ball pulp viscosity has been detected from Kraft cooks of low and high specific gravity wood. Using low specific gravity wood can reduce the bleach stage temperature and the chemical dose needed in the bleach plant to produce lyocell pulp specifications. Low specific gravity wood also increases the ability to reduce pulp viscosity to very low levels without increasing the copper number of the pulp or the concentration of carbonyl in the pulp above acceptable levels.

Abstract: The use of low specific gravity wood from thinning operations, for example, will produce a lower brownstock viscosity for a given kappa number target. A differential of 200-cP falling ball pulp viscosity has been detected from Kraft cooks of low and high specific gravity wood. Using low specific gravity wood can reduce the bleach stage temperature and the chemical dose needed in the bleach plant to produce lyocell pulp specifications. Low specific gravity wood also increases the ability to reduce pulp viscosity to very low levels without increasing the copper number of the pulp or the concentration of carbonyl in the pulp above acceptable levels.

Abstract: A polyamide, the enzymatic reaction product of at least one polyamine and diester, and processes for preparing and using the same. In addition, processes for preparing and using the enzymatic reaction product as creping adhesives and wet strength resins to make cellulose products.

Abstract: Modified polysaccharides (such as starches, gums, chitosans, celluloses, alginates, sugars, etc.), which are commonly used in the paper industry as strengthening agents, surface sizes, coating binders, emulsifiers and adhesives, can be combined into a single molecule with amphiphilic hydrocarbons (e.g. surface active agents) which are commonly utilized in the paper industry to control absorbency, improve softness, enhance surface feel and function as dispersants. The resulting molecule is a modified polysaccharide having surface active moieties which can provide several potential benefits, depending on the specific combination employed, including: (a) strength aids that do not impart stiffness; (b) softeners that do not reduce strength; (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry strength ratio; (d) debonders with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) strength aids with controlled absorbency; and (f) surface sizing agents with improved tactile properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a non-woven fibrous web comprised of refractory fibers which comprises forming a foam furnish by agitating the fibers in a foamed medium, and passing the foam furnish onto a screen and defoaming the furnish. The present invention employs a unique apparatus for effectively agitating the refractory fibers in the foamed medium, the agitating means being mounted for displacement within the foamed medium and including a convex leading surface facing in the direction of displacement. The leading surface includes upper and lower portions converging in the direction of displacement to form a generally convex leading surface and driving means for displacing the agitating means in the direction of displacement for dispersing and mutually separating the metal fibers within the foamed medium.

Abstract: Modified polysaccharides (such as starches, gums, chitosans, celluloses, alginates, sugars, etc.), which are commonly used in the paper industry as strengthening agents, surface sizes, coating binders, emulsifiers and adhesives, can be combined into a single molecule with modified aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are commonly utilized, in conjunction with cationic moieties, as softeners, debonders, lubricants and sizing agents. The resulting molecule is a modified polysaccharide having an aliphatic moiety which can provide several potential benefits, depending on the specific combination employed, including: (a) strength aids that do not impart stiffness; (b) softeners that do not reduce strength; (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry strength ratio; (d) debonders with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) strength aids with controlled absorbency; and (f) surface sizing agents with improved tactile properties.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fiber-reinforced mats and asphalt coated sheets for use in roofing and water resistant membranes. Mats and sheets according to the invention exhibit superior tensile strength and resistance to wrinkling. The mat aspect of the invention comprises product and method for producing mats comprised of organic matting materials such as cellulose, paper, other wood products, or felt, and reinforcing fibers such as fiberglass, plastics, and other relatively high-strength natural and synthetic fibers, the fibers being incorporated within the matting material during production of the mat. The sheet aspect of the invention comprises product and method for mats of the type described above with added asphalt coatings to improve the water-proofing qualities of the mats.

Abstract: An absorbent multilayered web includes a top surface layer, with the top surface layer including first and second fibers, wherein the first fibers are hydrophilic and the second fibers are hydrophobic, and further wherein the first and said second fibers are substantially uniformly distributed on the top surface layer, and at least one additional layer. A method of making an absorbent multi-layered web includes the steps of providing hydrophilic fibers; providing hydrophobic fibers; forming a first web layer of substantially uniformly distributed hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers; creating at least a second web layer; and joining said first layer with said second layer.

Abstract: A non-woven web of fibrous material is produced using a moving foraminous element in the practice of the foam process. A first foam slurry of air, water, fibers and a surfactant is generated and centrifugally pumped into contact with the moving foraminous element. Substantially fiber-free foam is withdrawn from the foraminous element while forming a non-woven web of fibrous material on the foraminous element, and at least a part of the substantially fiber-free foam is used in the generation of the first foam slurry. Recycling is also typically practiced using a centrifugal pump, and the centrifugal pumps are preferably degassing pumps which remove some of the gas from the foam. By practicing the invention it is possible to produce fibrous webs using the foam process that are more than two meters wide, and at a forming speed of more than about 100 m/min (e.g. about 200-500 m/min).

Abstract: Provided by the present invention is a process for making wet-layed metal fiber nonwoven sheet. The process comprises dispersing a mixture of metal fibers, wood pulp and a fibrillated material into an aqueous dispensing fluid. The amount of metal fibers dispersed generally ranges from 60 to 80 weight percent, based on the weight of solids, with the amount of wood pulp ranging from 15 to 30 weight percent and the amount of fibrillated material ranging from about 5 to 10 weight percent. The dispersed mixture in the aqueous dispensing fluid is then applied to a screen, with the aqueous dispensing fluid being removed to thereby form a metal fiber sheet.

Abstract: There is provided a photocatalytic pulp composition having the antibacterial, bad smell degrading and harmful substance oxidatively degrading effects in various wide uses such as a filter material, a packaging material, a building material. A photocatalytic pulp composition is effectively used in the air treatment, the water treatment and the soil treatment and improves the photocatalytic activity effect itself.

Abstract: An acoustical panel has a fiberboard which includes a fibrous filler and a base binder, and a nodulated overlay disposed on the fiberboard, wherein the overlay includes nodulated wool and an overlay binder and has a substantially smooth surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous filler is mineral wool and the base binder is granular starch. In an another embodiment of the present invention, the nodulated wool is nodulated mineral wool and the overlay binder is cooked pearl cornstarch.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a preform having a desirably uniform distribution of structural forms (for example and without limitation, particles, flakes, and fibers) therethrough. The method according to the present invention includes using an electrical charge reaction between cationic and anionic agents (such as, without limitation, cationic and anionic polymers) to cause the structural forms to floc or clump together in a mass in which the structural forms are desirably uniformly distributed therethrough. The flocculent mass is then dewatered and/or dried to form a preform that is ready for further processing.