Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: Methods for forming an absorbent fibrous composite containing absorbent material dispersed in bands through the composite and along the composite's length are disclosed. The methods generally include depositing a fibrous slurry on a foraminous support to form a web and depositing or injecting absorbent material into the web across its width to provide a web having absorbent material in bands along the composite's length. Drying the web provides a fluted absorbent composite. In one embodiment, the method is a wetlaid method and in another embodiment, the method is a foam-forming method. Preferably, the methods are twin-wire forming methods.

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 carboxylic acid cross-linking agents. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products of this method, which is economic, that possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, and absorption, low fines, low nits, and low knots, are also disclosed. This invention also includes a blended cellulose composition comprising a minor proportion of cellulose fibers having been similarly cross-linked with carboxylic acids and a major proportion of other cellulose fibers. This invention further provides individualized, chemically cross-linked cellulosic fibers comprising mercerized individualized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95%, cross-linked with carboxylic acids.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers intrafiber crosslinked with a polymeric polycarboxylic acid crosslinking agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymeric polycarboxylic acid is polyacrylic acid and, in another embodiment, the polycarboxylic acid is polymaleic acid. Methods for forming cellulosic fibers having stable intrafiber crosslinks and for forming crosslinked cellulosic fibers having low knot level are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for making high wet performance webs. A polymeric anionic reactive compound is applied heterogenously to a cellulosic fibrous web followed by curing of the compound to crosslink the cellulose fibers. The resulting tissue has high wet resiliency, high wet strength, and a high wet:dry tensile strength ratio.

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 carboxylic acid cross-linking agents. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products of this method, which is economic, that possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, and absorption, low fines, low nits, and low knots, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Conventional water-decomposable fibrous sheets for cleaning sheets capable of being disposed of in toilets and others do not have well-balanced decomposability in water and strength. The water-decomposable fibrous sheet containing from 5 to 100% by mass of fibrillated rayon having a fiber length of at most 10 mm and having a degree of beating of at most 700 cc, optionally along with other fibers having a length of at most 10 mm, has good decomposability in water and high wet strength. When subjected to water-jetting treatment, it becomes more bulky to have a soft feel.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A method for increasing filler retention of cellulosic fiber sheets is disclosed. In the method, cellulosic fibers with increased anionic sites are treated with either positively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles or a cationic retention aid and negatively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles. Cellulosic fiber sheets with retained filler particles are also disclosed.

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: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fibers are produced from an acetone solution of cellulose acetate by pulling or extruding such material through a spinneret in a dry spinning process. A vacuum is applied to the thus formed fibers after a certain degree of drying. A dried outer skin is formed, and the vacuum causes the solvent inside the skin to explode or pop and exit the fiber along micro-porous paths thereby producing high surface area fibers with micro-porous cavities and internal void volume. Such micro-cavities are particularly useful for retaining solid and/or liquid reagents in a cigarette filter for selective filtration of various smoke components.

Abstract: A multi-ply paperboard comprising at least one ply of conventional cellulose fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent; and at least one ply of chemically intrafiber crosslinked cellulosic high-bulk fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent may be a starch, a modified starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyamine, guar gum, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer or polyacrylonitrile. A method for making the paperboard is disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Paper comprising aldehyde modified cellulose pulp having selected aldehyde content. Another embodiment involves a method of preparing celullose aldehydes using selective oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and a nitroxyl radical mediator and defined reaction conditions to provide oxidized cellulose material with effective aldehyde content making it particularly suitable for use in making paper with desirable wet strength, temporary wet strength and dry strength properties.

Abstract: Wet-laid absorbent pulp sheets suitable for immediate conversion into absorbent products prepared from pulp treated with a cold caustic solution to produce a cold caustic extracted pulp.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable fibrous sheet includes fibers containing fibrillated rayon. The fibrillated rayon has primary fibers of a predetermined fiber length and microfibers extending from the primary fibers. The fibrillated rayon includes a first type of fibrillated rayon having a degree of beating of at most 700 cc, of which the length of the primary fibers falls between 1.8 mm and 4.0 mm at the peak of its self-weighted, average fiber length distribution profile curve, and a second type of fibrillated rayon having a degree of beating of at most 700 cc, of which the length of the primary fibers falls between 4.5 mm and 10.0 mm at the peak of its self-weighted, average fiber length distribution profile curve. The microfibers extending from the first and second, types of fibrillated rayon are entangled with and/or hydrogen-bonded to at least either of other microfibers and other fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making a heat and light stable carboxylated cellulose fiber whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium salt as a primary oxidant and a peracid and halide salt as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, and nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose is then stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite, a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture, or a peracid under acidic conditions. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. The method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface. The product is especially useful as a papermaking fiber where it contributes strength and has a higher attraction for cationic additives.

Abstract: A multi-ply paperboard comprising at least one ply of conventional cellulose fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent; and at least one ply of chemically intrafiber crosslinked cellulosic high-bulk fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent may be a starch, a modified starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyamine, guar gum, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer or polyacrylonitrile. A method for making the paperboard is disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable. water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly process for the selective oxidation of carbohydrates. The process comprises the addition of a hydroperoxide, including hydrogen peroxide, to a carbohydrate having primary alcohol groups, particularly including polysaccharides, wherein said carbohydrate is contact with a nitroxyl radical mediator and the process is catalyzed by a peroxidase enzyme in the presence of halide ions.

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: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing modified fluff pulp comprising treating cellulose pulp with a nitroxide-mediated oxidation method and fluffing the treated cellulose pulp. The invention further relates to the modified fluff pulp prepared therefrom and absorbent articles comprising the modified fluff pulp.

Abstract: A cationic cellulosic fibre containing between 1 and 30 cationic groups and between 0.1 and 20 aldehyde groups per 100 anhydroglucose units is a suitable basis for producing paper and tissue products without the necessity of using non-biodegradable cationic polymers as wet strength additives. The cationic cellulosic fibre can be obtained by oxidation of the fibre to introduce aldehyde groups, followed by reaction of part of the aldehyde groups with a nitrogen-containing reagent such as betaine hydrazide hydrochloride. The fibre is advantageously combined with an anionic polymer such as monoaldehyde carboxyl-starch or with anionic cyclodextrin.

Abstract: A method for increasing filler retention of cellulosic fiber sheets is disclosed. In the method, cellulosic fibers with increased anionic sites are treated with either positively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles or a cationic retention aid and negatively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles. Cellulosic fiber sheets with retained filler particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibrids can be made by mixing together under turbulent conditions viscose and a coagulating and regenerating liquor so as to form a suspension of soft macroscopic cellulosic particles in a spent liquor, collecting the particles, and comminuting them to form the fibrids.

Abstract: This invention relates to the process of manufacture of resin treated mercerized cellulose fibers and fibrous products prepared therefrom and is directed particularly to a method of improving permeability and bulking properties and reducing water retention value (WRV) of a conventional high permeability bulk pulp. The invention also includes the improved cellulose fibers, cellulosic sheet materials containing said fibers, and products therefrom (such as automotive oil and air filters).

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers having a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled thereto and a water retention value greater than or equal to the water retention value of the fibers from which the carboxylated fibers are formed; fibrous products that incorporate the carboxylated fibers; methods for making the fibers; and methods for making the fibrous products that incorporate the fibers.

Abstract: Pulp fibers can be treated with water insoluble chemical additives resulting in a minimal amount of unretained water insoluble chemical additives present after redispersing the treated pulp fibers in the process water. One embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing chemically treated pulp fiber. A fiber slurry is created comprising process water and pulp fibers. The fiber slurry is transported to a web-forming apparatus of a pulp sheet machine thereby forming a wet fibrous web. The wet fibrous web is dried to a predetermined consistency thereby forming a dried fibrous web. The dried fibrous web is treated with a water insoluble chemical additive thereby forming a chemically treated dried fibrous web containing chemically treated pulp fibers.

Abstract: A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely affecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of placing a base web in between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear inducing roll which creates shear forces that act upon the base web. The shear forces disrupt the web increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The shear inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear inducing roll may be incorporated into the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crosslinked cellulose-containing fibrous material, wherein hydroxy groups are oxidized at the C(6) of glucose units of the cellulose into aldehyde and/or carboxy groups crosslinked with a metal-containing crosslinking agent selected from transition metals of groups of IVa (preferably Zr), Va, VIa, VIIa and VIIIa, aluminum and zinc; and a paper or nonwoven (product), e.g. tissue (product), which comprises this fibrous material. These paper or nonwoven (products) are distinguished by high wet and dry strength.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making carboxylated cellulose fibers whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy free radical) as a primary oxidant and a hypohalite salt as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. Preferably the oxidized cellulose is then stabilized against D.P. loss in alkaline environments and color reversion with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. Alternatively it may be treated with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite. The method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface. The product is especially useful as a papermaking fiber where it contributes strength and has a higher attraction for cationic additives. The product is also useful as an additive to recycled fiber to increase strength. The method can be used to improve properties of either virgin or recycled fiber.

Abstract: The wet strength softness absorbency, absorbency rate and other valuable properties in paper products, tissues, wipes, towels, etc. can be improved by using, in the paper forming process, a cellulosic material comprising a carboxymethyl cellulose material associated with a monomeric or polymeric cationic additive material. A process of the invention comprises a fiber surface carboxymethylation and an aqueous medium followed by blending the modified fibers with a cationic additive under varying conditions and wet forming the tissue and towel products. The additive is typically a cationic additive that preferentially associates with a carboxymethyl group on the cellulose surface. The affinity between the positively charged cationic groups in the polymeric or monomeric additive material to the negatively charged carboxyl group in the carboxymethyl cellulose modified fiber improves various attributes of the paper products.

Abstract: Cellulosic webs, such as tissue webs, can be dewatered to consistencies of about 70 percent or greater in a high intensity extended nip press while retaining a substantial amount of bulk. While webs intended for use as tissues containing conventional furnishes become overly densified when passed through a high intensity extended nip press, furnishes containing certain types of fibers, such as chemically cross-linked or heat-treated fibers, resist compression and allow the compressed web to retain a high level of bulk after a high degree of dewatering.

Abstract: A smooth-textured non-woven, superabsorbent particle-impregnated fibrous structure is disclosed. The web exhibits an improved smooth surface texture. The structure contains from 50% to 80% of ion sensitive SAP having a particle size of less than 200 microns, wood pulp fibers and cellulose acetate fibers, each in preferred specified amounts indicated herein. The superabsorbent, ion sensitive polymer particle-impregnated fibrous structure is made from an aqueous, wet-lay process in which an aqueous furnish comprises solids of fibers and superabsorbent, ion sensitive polymer and dissolved salt, such as preferably, Na2SO4. The furnish is passed over a moving foraminous support, such as a Fourdrinier wire, and a wet web structure is formed, followed by drying.

Abstract: Paper comprising aldehyde modified cellulose pulp having selected aldehyde content. Another embodiment involves a method of preparing celullose aldehydes using selective oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and a nitroxyl radical mediator and defined reaction conditions to provide oxidized cellulose material with effective aldehyde content making it particularly suitable for use in making paper with desirable wet strength, temporary wet strength and dry strength properties.

Abstract: A multi-layered paper product. The paper product has individual layers for providing a soft tactile sensation to the user, for providing strength, and for providing bulk. Suitable fibers for increasing bulk may be synthetic fibers, debonded fibers, weakly bonded fibers, curled fibers, and fibers combined with particulate fillers. An exemplary embodiment having five layers is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for making high wet performance webs. A polymeric anionic reactive compound is applied heterogenously to a cellulosic fibrous web followed by curing of the compound to crosslink the cellulose fibers. The resulting tissue has high wet resiliency, high wet strength, and a high wet:dry tensile strength ratio.

Abstract: Paper products having high initial wet strengths are disclosed. The paper products comprise cellulosic fibers having free aldehyde groups, which fibers are combined with a water-soluble polymer having functional groups that are reacted with the aldehyde groups to form bonds joining the fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the cellulosic fibers contain a polysaccharide in which the hydroxyl groups of at least a portion of the repeating units of the polysaccharide are cis-hydroxyl groups, preferred repeating units being mannose and/or galactose. Similarly, the water-soluble polymer is preferably a polysaccharide in which the hydroxyl groups of at least a portion of the repeating units of the polysaccharide are cis-hydroxyl groups. Preferred polysaccharides are derived from one or more sugars selected from mannose, galactose, allose, altrose, gulose, talose and lyxose.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, paper, thermoplastic sheets, and medical paper containing cellulose ester, alkylpolyglycoside (APG) or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol, and, optionally, cellulose. The process of incorporating APG or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol in paper composed of cellulose ester fibers and cellulose fibers and to calendaring of such paper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-ply paperboard comprising at least one ply of conventional cellulose fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent; and at least one ply of chemically intrafiber crosslinked cellulosic high-bulk fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent may be a starch, a modified starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyamine, guar gum, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer or polyacrylonitrile. A method for making the paperboard is disclosed.