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: 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 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: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.

Abstract: A method of making personal hygiene articles of high absorbency from cellulosic fiber pulp without chemical cross-linking of the cellulosic fibers is disclosed. The method comprises interposing a sublayer of mechanically fluffed alkali extracted cellulosic fiber pulp between a fluid permeable layer and a fluid impermeable layer.

Abstract: A method of curing cementitious material comprising added a carboxylated bleached wood pulp fiber to the material during mixing. The fiber has a carboxyl content of from 10 to 70 meq/100 g cellulose fiber. The fibers are 0.1 to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cementitious material. The structure produced by the method. The autogenous shrinkage of the cementitious material is reduced.

Abstract: A sensor wipe, made in part by a hydroentangling or conforming process, includes fibers onto which an indicator dye is immobilized. The substrate may be used to make sensor wipes for testing surface conditions, including but not limited to pH or the presence of certain microbes. The indicator dye does not leach from the sensor wipe. The indicator dye may be reversible so that the sensor wipe can be reused prior to disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an oxidised cellulose pulp fibrillar network and a composite with lignocellulosic fibres comprising the following steps: (a) oxidising a cellulose pulp to obtain about 0.3 to 2.5 mmol carboxylic groups per gram cellulose pulp; and about 0.1 to 5.0 mmol aldehyde groups per gram cellulose pulp; (b) homogenisation of the cellulose pulp of step (a) wherein the cellulose fibres are refined to provide a cellulose pulp comprising 0-50% of fibres having an average length 0.7 mm-2.1 mm; and 50-100% of fibres having a particle size of 0.05-500 micrometer (?m); and optionally (c) combining with lignocellulosic fibre. Also step (d) drying of the cellulose pulp obtained by step (b) or step (c) may be included in the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cationized microfibrillated plant fiber and a method for manufacturing the same. A cationic microfibrillated plant fiber that is cationically modified with a quaternary-ammonium-group-containing compound, and that has an average diameter of 4 to 200 nm.

Abstract: A composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g and a moldable polymeric material selected from the group consisting of a biomass-derived polymer and a petroleum-derived polymer. The biomass-derived polymer is preferably polylactic acid or pulp. The cellulose microfibers are preferably present in an amount of 0.01% to 60% by mass. Another composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose composite microfibers and a moldable resin, the cellulose composite microfibers being obtained by adsorbing a surfactant onto cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g.

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers are produced using a 4-hydroxy TEMPO derivative by treating a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in water in the presence of a cellulose oxidation catalyst containing an N-oxyl compound to prepare oxidized cellulos, and microfibrillating the oxidized cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic polymers, such as polyaminoamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), that are derived from renewable resources and can be used to produce wet strength resins suitable for a variety of applications, such as in absorbent paper articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic polymers, such as polyaminoamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), that are derived from renewable resources and can be used to produce wet strength resins suitable for a variety of applications, such as in absorbent paper articles.

Abstract: An absorbent paper sheet for tissue or towel includes from about 99 percent to about 70 percent by weight of cellulosic papermaking fiber and from about 1 percent to about 30 percent by weight fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber which was regenerated form a cellulosic dope utilizing a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent or an ionic liquid.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide cellulose fibers which can give a cellulose composite that renders high transparency, a reduction in linear expansion coefficient, and a high modulus of elasticity possible. The invention relates to: a process for producing modified cellulose fibers which includes a modification reaction step of reacting cellulose with an aromatic compound in an organic acid to thereby modify the cellulose with an aromatic-ring-containing substituent; cellulose fibers modified with aromatic-ring-containing substituent; a dispersion of the cellulose fibers; and a cellulose fiber composite obtained from the same.

Abstract: A method of making regenerated cellulose microfibers includes forming segmented fibers with multiple longitudinally-extending segments of slightly different composition such that there is defined splittable interfaces between juxtaposed segments of the fibers which are then split into microfibers at yields of greater than 50%. Fibers so produced may be incorporated into absorbent sheet with other papermaking fibers to provide strength, softness, bulk and absorbency to tissue, towel, and personal care products.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming a cellulose article having a specific volume of less than 3 cc/gm. The method includes the step of incorporating cellulose fibers with a compound, wherein the compound includes an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may have at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based thermoplastic polymer, a propylene-based thermoplastic polymer, and mixtures thereof; at least one polymeric stabilizing agent; and water. In certain embodiments, a combined amount of the at least one polymer and the at least one stabilizing agent comprises about 25 to about 74 volume percent of the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating chemical pulp fibres by a polymerizing hydroxy acid, the fibres thus obtained and the products refined from them. In the method, the hydroxy acid reacts with the reactive groups of the fibres in the presence of a catalyst, forming ester bonds. The following units of the same hydroxy acid are oligomerized and/or polymerized to these grafted acid residues. The fibres thus treated and the products refined thereof endure better processing stages that include drawing and stretching than untreated fibres.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing modified nanofibrillated cellulose characterized by bringing cellulosic material into a fiber suspension, adsorbing a cellulose derivative or polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative onto fibers in said fiber suspension under special conditions and subjecting the obtained fiber suspension derivative to mechanical disintegration. A modified nanofibrillated cellulose obtainable by a method of the present invention is provided. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of said modified nanotibrillated cellulose.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming a cellulose article having a specific volume of less than 3 cc/gm. The method includes the step of incorporating cellulose fibers with a compound, wherein the compound includes an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may have at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based thermoplastic polymer, a propylene-based thermoplastic polymer, and mixtures thereof; at least one polymeric stabilizing agent; and water. In certain embodiments, a combined amount of the at least one polymer and the at least one stabilizing agent comprises about 25 to about 74 volume percent of the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: Inflated fibers of regenerated cellulose and other regenerated structures are formed from ionic liquid/cellulose dope. Fibers so produced may be incorporated into absorbent sheet with other papermaking fibers to provide softness, bulk and absorbency.

Abstract: An absorbent paper sheet for tissue or towel includes from about 99 percent to about 70 percent by weight of cellulosic papermaking fiber and from about 1 percent to about 30 percent by weight fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber which was regenerated form a cellulosic dope utilizing a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent or an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A method for making mixed polymer composite fibers in which a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch are blended in water to provide an aqueous gel; the aqueous gel treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; the crosslinked gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide fibers; and the fibers treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked mixed polymer composite fibers.

Abstract: An improved absorbency material for absorbency applications comprised of a cellulosic fibrous material wherein said cellulosic fibrous material such as pulp is a cold alkali solution treated material at a treatment temperature of less than about 50° C.; a process for improving absorbency and other characteristics of said pulp.

Abstract: A plasticizing formulation for producing plasticized fluff pulp. The plasticizing formulation, which preferably is an aqueous solution, includes a primary plasticizing agent, and optionally a secondary plasticizing agent. Preferably, the primary plasticizing agent is 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and the secondary plasticizing agent is triacetin. When the plasticizing formulation is applied to a cellulosic fluff pulp, a plasticized fluff pulp is produced. The resultant plasticized fluff pulp may have one or more of the following: reduced Kamas energy, Mullen strength, and fiber knot and nit contents, when compared to the base cellulosic fluff pulp fiber that is not plasticized.

Abstract: In order to provide grease, oil and wax resistance to a paper substrate, a coating containing a binder, a filler material and calcium carbonate is used. The coating of the invention is essentially free from fluorocarbons, which are considered harmful to human and animal populations, and surfactants and other chemicals which may alter the color of the coated paper. The coated paper has a GE brightness level between approximately 50 and approximately 90, while providing superior grease, oil and wax resistance.

Abstract: A method for dissolving cellulose in which the cellulose based raw material is admixed with a mixture of a dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agent and an ionic liquid at a temperature of 25° C. to 180° C. for a time sufficient to dissolve the cellulose based raw material. The molar ratio of dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agent to ionic liquid is 0.05 to 1.5 moles of dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agent to 1 mole of ionic liquid. Dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agents do not include imidazole based agents or amine based agents.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of flame retardant cellulosic product including the steps of adding a soluble salt of silica to viscose, followed by blending and extruding the blended viscose into a spin bath, regenerating the viscose and subjecting the regenerated viscose to a step of glow proofing with polyaluminium compounds to obtain the flame retardant cellulosic product.

Abstract: The present invention imparts fire-retardancy upon cellulosic products utilizing a cost-effective, non-toxic, and reliable process. Unlike previous methods which impart superficial fire-retardant coatings upon finished products, the present process treats the individual cellulosic particles (i.e. fibers, chips etc.) that make up cellulose-based particle products. Treating the individual particles provides fire-retardancy throughout the entire length and width of the product. This full-depth retardancy provides superior protection, especially in catastrophic fires where the surface coat of other products can be compromised.

Abstract: A paperboard including a solid bleached sulfate paperboard substrate and a coating applied to the paperboard substrate to form a coated structure, the coated structure having a basis weight, a caliper thickness and a Parker Print Surf smoothness, the Parker Print Surf smoothness being at most about 3 microns, the basis weight being at most about Y1 pounds per 3000 ft2, wherein Y1 is a function of the caliper thickness (X) in points and is calculated as follows: Y1=3.79+13.43X?0.1638X2.

Abstract: A liquid distribution mat that is a wet-laid mat of enhanced cellulosic fibers that are cellulosic fibers cross-linked in sheet form, as well as methods of making the liquid distribution mat. The liquid distribution mat has high vertical wicking properties and excellent structural integrity in both wet and dry states. The liquid distribution mat is suitable for use in an absorbent article. When used in an absorbent article such as a baby diaper, the liquid distribution mat rapidly acquires and transports bodily discharges from the point of insult to other regions of the absorbent article, thereby maximizing the utilization of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An integrated paper having 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. A tight pore structure with 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. A microbiological interception enhancing agent may be added. The integrated paper may be formed using wet laid paper-making processes. Devices utilizing the integrated paper are used in fluid filtration.

Abstract: A flame retardant and glow resistant zinc free cellulose product containing silica, modified with polyaluminium ions. In the preparation of product the cellulose solution (viscose) and sodium silicate are blended and regenerated to obtain a polymeric silica in the cellulose structure which is further modified with polyaluminium ions to attach aluminium sites on silica molecules to make the product glow resistant and impart wash fastness as well.

Abstract: A method for making fibers having particles attached thereto, comprising blending a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch in water to provide an aqueous gel; treating the aqueous gel with a first crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; drying the crosslinked gel to provide a solid; comminuting the solid to provide a plurality of particles; combining at least a portion of the plurality of particles with a aqueous dispersion comprising cellulose fibers and a first water-miscible solvent and, optionally, a second crosslinking agent, to provide a mixture comprising swollen particles and cellulose fibers; and adding a second water-miscible solvent to the mixture to provide fibers having particles attached thereto.

Abstract: A method for making mixed polymer composite fibers in which a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch are blended in water to provide an aqueous gel; the aqueous gel treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; the crosslinked gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide fibers; and the fibers treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked mixed polymer composite fibers.

Abstract: Processes for altering surface properties of pigment particles are provided. The processes include coating the particles with ionic natural polysaccharides or ionic derivatives of natural polysaccharides, providing enhanced properties.

Abstract: Methods for making the carboxyalkyl cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of texturized microcrystalline cellulose from raw pulp material. This texturized microcrystalline cellulose can then be used for surface treatment of paper or paper board. Additionally, the texturized microcrystalline cellulose may be used as a starting material for production of paper or paper board.

Abstract: A mixed polymer fiber, comprising a crosslinked polymer fiber comprising carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and cellulose fiber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming a cellulose article having a specific volume of less than 3 cc/gm. The method includes the step of incorporating cellulose fibers with a compound, wherein the compound includes an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may have at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based thermoplastic polymer, a propylene-based thermoplastic polymer, and mixtures thereof; at least one polymeric stabilizing agent; and water. In certain embodiments, a combined amount of the at least one polymer and the at least one stabilizing agent comprises about 25 to about 74 volume percent of the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: A process is described for manufacturing a paperboard from a high consistency slurry containing high levels of crosslinked cellulosic fibers by dispersing the fibers in a screen with a rotor in the screen and then passing the fibers through the screen basket with a hole diameter of at least 2 mm and forming the cellulosic fibers on a foraminous support. Another slurry of regular cellulosic fibers is deposited on at least one side of the first slurry during the formation process. The formed web is dewatered and dried.

Abstract: A method for producing a microfibrillated cellulose, which comprises subjecting a slurry containing a pulp having a solids concentration of 1 to 6 wt % to the treatment with a disc refiner repeatedly ten times or more, to thereby prepare a microfibrillated cellulose having a number average fiber length or 0.2 mm or less and an amount of water hold of 10 mL/g or more, the amount representing the volume of water capable of being held by a unit weight of the cellulose fiber. The method allows the production of a microfibrillated cellulose having high quality with stability and with good efficiency.

Abstract: A process is described for manufacturing a paperboard from a high consistency slurry containing high levels of crosslinked cellulosic fibers by dispersing the fibers in a screen with a rotor in the screen and then passing the fibers through the screen basket with a hole diameter of at least 2 mm and forming the cellulosic fibers on a foraminous support. Another slurry of regular cellulosic fibers is deposited on at least one side of the first slurry during the formation process. The formed web is dewatered and dried.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.

Abstract: A method of forming twisted, curly fibers from a wet wood pulp without the aid of a wet fluffing process or a chemical cross-linker. The method includes forming the wet wood pulp into fiber bundles and subsequently thermally drying the fiber bundles. The invention also includes curly fibers derived from the method of the invention.

Abstract: A paperboard containing microplatelet cellulose particles has improved surface smoothness, aesthetic properties, bending stiffness and strength performance. When microplatelet cellulose particles are used for surface treatment of the paperboard, the microplatelets fill voids between fibers on the board surface. As a result, treated board has enhanced strength and surface properties such as smoothness, opacity, coating hold-out, and printability without compromising bending stiffness. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a process for improving board strength, surface smoothness and/or bending stiffness without the needs for densification, while maintaining other desired performances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber having improved absorbency characteristics when compared to conventional cross-linked fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fiber is obtainable by reacting pulp in the sheet or fluff form with one or more reagents selected from organic molecule having acid and aldehyde functional groups “acid aldehydes.” The invention also relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote intrafiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross-linked fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.

Abstract: Methods are provided for creating covalent bonding of webs by combining cellulosic fibers having a carboxyl content approximately greater than 7 meq/100 g with one or more crosslinking agents. In a first step, a carboxyl group is placed onto a fiber. In an embodiment, the fiber is then reacted with an oxazoline-functional polymer which has been combined with a polycarboxylate compound. Heat is applied to the treated web, and this enables formation of a cross-linked bridge in the form of a covalent bond. In an embodiment, the covalent bonding of the carboxylated cellulose pulp webs utilizes oxazoline-functional polymers and polyacrylic acid. The oxazoline polymer in combination with polyacrylic acid should form a network polymer with covalent bonds to the cellulose carboxyl groups. The non-woven web may be strengthhened by covalent bonding, thereby improving overall wet/dry strength of the final product.

Abstract: A process for bleaching high bulk cellulosic fiber and producing a durable elevated curl index includes: (a) concurrently bleaching, heat treating and convolving cellulosic fiber pulp at elevated temperature and pressure at high consistency generally under conditions selected so as to preclude substantial fibrillation and attendant paper strength and fiber bonding development; and (b) recovering the pulp wherein the length weighted curl index of the treated fiber is at least about 20% higher than the length weighted curl index of the fiber prior to the heat treatment and convolving thereof. Preferably, the curl imparted to the fiber persists upon treatment for 30 minutes in a laboratory disintegrator at 3000 rpm at 1% consistency at a temperature of 125° F. Moreover, the curl may be imparted to the fiber in a disk refiner at very short residence times, on the order of several seconds or less.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of mercerized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95% is treated with a solution containing a carboxylic acid cross-linking agent. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products produced are economic and possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, absorption characteristics, low fines, low nits and low knots. The invention also includes blended cellulose compositions comprising a minor proportion of cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers and a major proportion of other cellulosic fibers. The invention further provides individualized, chemically cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers of high purity.