Abstract: Polymeric bonding agents having a “triggerable” bonding functionality and which are in the form of particles or fibers, are blended with papermaking fibers prior to formation of a tissue web. After the web is dewatered, and advantageously during or after drying, the triggerable bonding functionality is activated to strengthen the resulting sheet structure. Tissue sheets prepared in this manner can exhibit an improved combination of softness, bulk and strength.

Abstract: A method for producing paper, cardboard or similar materials, comprising, separately or in a mixture, adding to a fibrous suspension: at least one main retention agent comprising a cationic (co)polymer, and at least one dual retention agent comprising a crosslinked cationic (co)polymer obtained in the form of a dispersion and placed in solution prior to its introduction into the fibrous suspension with gentle stirring. The crosslinked cationic (co)polymer having—a UL viscosity of between 1.3 and 2.7 cps, preferably between 1.5 and 2.4 cps, and—an apparent cationicity ratio of between 25 and 75%. Optionally, before or after the dual agent or the main retention agent are added, one or more tertiary retention agent(s) selected from the group comprising mineral particles and organic polymers carrying anionic charges, is added to the suspension.

Abstract: Process for finishing paper and paper products by treating the surface of paper or paper products with at least one finishing agent, at least one finishing agent being applied in the form of a pattern on the top and/or bottom of paper or paper products, and the papers and paper products obtainable by the process.

Abstract: A process for producing paper, board and cardboard in the presence of an aqueous slurry of components comprising finely divided fillers coated at least partly with water-soluble amphoteric copolymers, which involves adding, further to the aqueous slurry of components comprising finely divided fillers, at least one cationic and/or amphoteric polymer comprising as structural element no esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids with quaternized amino alcohols to the fiber suspension prior to sheet forming.

Abstract: A method of modifying the surface of a substrate which comprises a fibrous material. According to the present invention, the surface is brought into contact with a type of amphiphilic block copolymer which comprises one or several hydrophilic polymeric blocks and one or several hydrophobic polymeric blocks. Approximately 0.01-3 g/m2 of the amphiphilic block copolymer are applied onto the surface. With the help of the present invention, it is possible to effectively modify the surface of paper in such a manner that it produces a good surface for printing, for instance for ink-jet printing.

Abstract: Topically-applied binder materials for imparting wet strength to soft, absorbent paper sheets, such as are useful as household paper towels and the like, include an epoxy-reactive polymer, such as a carboxyl-functional polymer, and an epoxy-functional polymer. These binder materials can be cured at ambient temperature over a period of days and do not impart objectionable odor to final product when wetted.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualifies of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer.

Abstract: Hydrophobically modified polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units and obtainable by reacting (a) polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units with (b) compounds of the formula R-A-(EO, PO, BuO)n—X??(I), where R is C4- to C26-alkyl or C4- to C26-alkenyl, A is O, NH or COO, EO is an ethylene oxide unit, PO is a propylene oxide unit, BuO is a butylene oxide unit, n is from 1 to 250 and X is a functional group which can be covalently bonded to an OH group, process for the preparation of hydrophobically modified polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units by reacting polymers containing vinylamine or ethylenimine units with a water repellent of the formula I and use of the polymers thus obtainable as an additive to paperstock in papermaking.

Abstract: A process of making paper by providing a cellulosic suspension comprising cellulosic fibres and optionally fillers, dewatering the cellulosic suspension on a wire or mesh to form a sheet and drying the sheet in which a polymeric additive is included in the process, in which the polymeric additive is a polymer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated water-soluble or potentially water-soluble monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer carrying a reactive group.

Abstract: Paper is made from paper stock containing pulp derived from recycled paper fibers by adding to the paper stock, an effective amount of an additive for reducing the deposition of contaminants, the additive one or more silicon containing material(s) selected from the group of: (i) an epoxy and/or glycidoxy functional silane, and/or hydrolysed or condensation reaction products thereof with water (ii) glycidoxy and/or epoxy functional siloxane and/or hydrolysed or condensation reaction products thereof with water (iii) a quaternary ammonium functional silicone polymer, and/or hydrolysed or condensed reaction products thereof with water and/or (iv) a quaternary ammonium functional silicone polymer cross-linked by an organic epoxide and/or hydrolysed or condensed reaction products thereof with water and/or (v) an amino functional silane and/or an amino functional silicone and/or hydrolysed or condensed reaction products thereof with water and/or (vi) an alkyl functional silane and/or hydrolysed or condensed reacti

Abstract: A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of high and low molecular weight flocculating agents to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution.

Abstract: A composition includes water; at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function as described above. The hydrophilic polymer and the saccharide are mixed to form a reaction mixture and reacted to increase the viscosity of the reaction mixture. The reaction is then substantially terminated by reducing the pH of the composition.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a blend of two or more paper strengthening agents have improved stability compared with previously known paper strengthening agents. One component is a polymeric paper strengthening agent, preferably a wet strengthening agent. The other component is a stabilized glyoxalated polyacrylamide prepared by (1) reacting a first portion of glyoxal with a polyacrylamide having pendant amide groups to form a first reaction mixture comprising glyoxalated polyacrylamide; (2) adding an acid to the first reaction mixture to form a second reaction mixture having a reduced pH and comprising the glyoxalated polyacrylamide; and (3) adding a second portion of glyoxal to the second reaction mixture to form the stabilized glyoxalated polyacrylamide. If desired, an aldehyde scavenger can be included in one or more of step (1), step (2), step (3), or the stabilized glyoxalated polyacrylamide. Such compositions can be used to enhance the strength of paper, particularly the wet strength of paper.

Abstract: Process for making a solid compound by precipitation, using a high intensity mixing reactor and comprising the steps of (A) introducing a first fluid material containing a first reactant and a second fluid material containing a second reactant into said reactor, in order to obtain a mixed fluid, in order to cause the first reactant to react with the second reactant to form a solid compound by precipitation in the mixed fluid; (B) withdrawing the mixed fluid containing the precipitated solid obtained in step (A) from the reactor, and; (C) optionally separating the precipitated solid compound from at least one fraction of the mixed fluid.

Abstract: They are mixtures of (a) from 1 to 99.9% by weight of a water-soluble epihalohydrin-crosslinked polyamidoamine and (b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of at least one other cationic polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a regenerated cotton board material comprised of dry cut cotton lint fiber, and wood fiber. The regenerated cotton board material may further include non-cellulosic fibers such as synthetic fibers or other natural fibers. In an alternate embodiment, a cotton board material may be manufactured from a mixture of dry cut cotton lint fiber and a binder material. A method for forming a regenerated cotton board material according to the present disclosure includes forming an aqueous slurry fiber furnish from a combination of dry cut cotton lint fiber, and wood fiber. The fiber furnish is then wet processed, calendared to remove the bulk of the water, and dried.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacture and application of a polymeric papermaking additive, which can be used in paper manufacture as an agent for improving retention, drainage, product strength and paper machine operation. The additive according to this disclosure is a polymer of epichlorohydrin and contains primary amino groups. Under neutral or acidic conditions these primary amino groups become cationic, which assures good adsorption of the polymer onto anionic fibers and fines of pulps used for production of paper or paperboard. By adsorbing on several fibers or fines, the polymer can increase the retention of fines and fillers. Primary amino groups of this polymer can also form chemical bonds with carbonyl groups of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose, which are especially abundant in the fibers and fines of mechanical pulps. The cross-linking of fibers and fines by chemical bonds can increase the initial strength of wet web and the strength of rewetted paper.

Abstract: An agent for enhancing brightness and opaqueness in paperboard comprises a reaction product selected from the groups consisting of: A) an amide reaction product of a C12-C22 fatty acid, condensed with an amine selected from monoalkanol amines, dialkanol amines or diethylene triamine or a mixture thereof. B) an amide reaction product of a triglyceride of a C12-C22 fatty acid condensed with an amine selected from monoalkanol amine, dialkanol amine, or diethylene triamine or a mixture thereof. C) an amide reaction product of an ester of a C12-C22 fatty acid condensed with an amine selected from monoalkanol lower alkyl amine, dialkanol amine, diethylene triamine or a mixture thereof; and D) an ester reaction of a C12-C22 fatty acid condensed with an alcohol selected from glycerine, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cellulosic sheet having at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties comprises the steps of depositing a stock of cellulosic fibres onto at least one forming fabric at an impingement zone and forming a web therefrom in a formation process; combining a water-based composition comprising an adhesion promoter, an organic nanoparticulate polymer and a fluorocarbon with the web at a preselected combination stage prior to a heating stage at which the web is subjected to a temperature exceeding 60° C.; and heat-curing the composition with the web during a drying process. A water-based composition for imparting at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to a cellulosic sheet during manufacture comprises an adhesion promoter, an organic nanoparticulate polymer and a fluorocarbon. A cellulosic sheet or layer thereof has at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. Improved resistance of cellulosic sheets to oil or water is obtained.

Abstract: In this invention a composition is applied to the surface of paper comprising a glycol ether based polymer that provides enhanced ink-jet print quality. The advantage of using the composition is that it improves ink-jet printing on the paper without significant loss of water hold-out. More specifically, the paper is uncoated and has been treated on the surface with the following materials and dried to the point of usefulness. These materials are: 1) one or more compounds that increase water hold-out. These are known as sizing agents, 2) starch, 3) A glycol ether based polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a lignocellulose product from a) at least one material containing lignocellulose, b) a resin-based binding agent and (c) an organic compound comprising at least one first and second functional group. The first functional group is an oxidizable functional group and the second functional group is a group which can react with the binding agent forming a substantially covalent bond. The reactand and reaction conditions of the method are selected in such a way that substantially covalent cross-polymerization occurs between the material containing lignocellulose and the binding agent. The lignocellulose products produced according to the inventive method contain less binding agent and have improved physical-chemical properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals. The process comprises (a) charging a membrane separation apparatus with an aqueous composition comprising at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, and (b) separating the aqueous composition into a permeate and a retentate by passing the aqueous composition through the membrane of the membrane separation apparatus. The retentate comprises at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin having lower levels of residuals on an equal active component basis than the aqueous composition of (a). The permeate comprises residuals removed from the aqueous composition of (a) and less than 5% by weight of the active component of said at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin. The polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals can be used to make wet strength agents, dry strength agents, creping adhesives for paper products, curing agents for wood product adhesives, and other products.

Abstract: A process for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, is described. The process entails treating a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin composition, where the resin is formed in a reaction having a molar ratio of epihalohydrin to secondary amine group of less than about 0.5 and where the composition has a solids content of at least 15 wt % and includes CPD-forming species, with at least one enzymatic agent under conditions to inhibit, reduce or remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that the composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 24 hours at 50° C. and a pH of about 1.0 releases less than about 100 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of producing a porous bonded fibrous sheet material comprising: (i) treating a porous fibrous substrate which is comprised of cellulosic fibers and which has a moisture content of less than 10% by weight with a gum and a cross-linkable wet strength resin both dissolved in water; (ii) removing excess water; and (iii) effecting cross-linking of the resin.

Abstract: Soft and strong cellulose-based fibrous web, comprises a) cellulosic fibres having a freeness value of more than 26° SR measured according to DIN-ISO 5267/1 (March 1999), b) a water-soluble cationic polymer, c) a water-soluble anionic polymer, and d) a cationic surfactant-based softener. The webs are prepared by refining cellulosic fibres to a degree of freeness of more than 26° SR measured according to DIN-ISO 5267/1, adding at least one water-soluble anionic polymer and water-soluble cationic polymer to the refined cellulosic fibres, adding a cationic surfactant-based softener to the cellulosic fibres obtained thereby, and wet-laying and dewatering the celulosic fibres obtained thereby.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids comprising perfluoropolyether chains, of formula: T1—CFW1—O—Rf—CFW2—T2??(I) wherein T1, T2, equal to or different from each other, are selected from the group formed of —CH2—B—Y—(COOH)n, —CH(CF3) O—Y(COOH)n, —F, —CF3, —C2F5, —(C2F4)Cl, wherein B=—O— or —S—; Y=C1—C20 alkylene chain, n=1-4; with the proviso that at least one of the two end groups T1, T2 be —CH2—B—Y—(COOH)n, —CH(CF3)O—Y(COOH)n; W1, W2, equal to or different from each other, are —F or —CF3; Rf is a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain formed of one or more repeating units, statistically distributed along the chain, having a number average molecular weight in the range 500-10,000.

Abstract: Topically-applied binder materials for imparting wet strength to soft, absorbent paper sheets, such as are useful as household paper towels and the like, include an epoxy-reactive polymer, such as a carboxyl-functional polymer, and an epoxy-functional polymer. These binder materials can be cured at ambient temperature over a period of days and do not impart objectionable odor to final product when wetted.

Abstract: Topically-applied binder materials for imparting wet strength to soft, absorbent paper sheets, such as are useful as household paper towels and the like, include an epoxy-reactive polymer, such as a carboxyl-functional polymer, and an epoxy-functional polymer. These binder materials can be cured at ambient temperature over a period of days and do not impart objectionable odor to final product when wetted.

Abstract: Processes for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, including processes that prepare a storage stable resin and/or processes that treat resins. A composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin which includes CPD-forming species can be treated with at least one agent under conditions to at least one of inhibit, reduce and remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 2 weeks at 50° C., and a pH of about 2.5 to 3.5 contains less than about 250 ppm dry basis of CPD. The invention is also directed to a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, when stored at pH 1 for 24 hours at 50° C. and measured at 24 hours, produces less than about 1000 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: A composition includes at least one hydrophilic polymer containing primary (—NH2) and/or secondary (—NHR) amine groups and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A method of increasing the strength of paper includes the step of contacting the paper with a composition comprising (i) at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A hydrogel composition is formed from a mixture of at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function.

Abstract: A process for treating a composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin that has a low level of CPD-producing species and good gelation stability is disclosed. A polyamine-epihalohydrin resin is prepared with a ratio of epihalohydrin:amine of less than about 1.1:1.0; The resin is then subjected to a base treatment followed by an acid treatment resulting in a resin that has good gelation storage stability and produces low levels of CPD.

Abstract: Optical brighteners (PAB) of formula wherein each n independently signifies 1 or 2, the group SO3M shown with the floating bond is linked to the position 4 or 5, each M independently signifies an equivalent of a non-chromophoric cation, each M? independently signifies hydrogen or M, at least a part of the cations M of (PAB) are cationic groups of a polycationic polyol/epichlorohydrin/amine polymer (PA), which contains quaternary ammonium groups in salt form as heteroatomic ring members or chain members, any others being cations selected from alkali metal cations, unsubstituted ammonium and ammonium substituted with C1-3-alkyl or/and C2-3-hydroxyalkyl, the polycationic polymer (PA) is a polymer which is at least in part crosslinked over one or more of its quaternary ammonium groups, any other counterions to the cationic groups of (PA) being non-chromophoric anions of low molecular acids, and the ratio of the total anionic groups in the anionic optical brightener portion of (PAB) to the total of cationi

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a creped fiber web is provided and includes providing a rotating cylindrical dryer surface, applying an ionene adhesive to the rotating cylindrical dryer surface to form an adhesive dryer surface, conveying a fiber web to the adhesive dryer surface, drying the fiber web on the adhesive dryer surface to form a dried fiber web, and creping the dried fiber web from the adhesive dryer surface. The ionene polymer can be a crosslinked polymer of an alkylamine, a haloepoxyalkane, and an amine that differs from the alkylamine, such as a terpolymer of dimethylamine, epichlorohydrin, and ethylenediamine. The ionene adhesive may further include monoammonium phosphate. The ionene polymer may be water-soluble and cationic.

Abstract: A tissue product containing a cellulosic fibrous material and less than about 10 wt. % of a superabsorbent material (e.g., fibers, particles, etc.) is provided. In some instances, the superabsorbent material can absorb between about 100 to about 350 grams of an aqueous solution per gram of superabsorbent material. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent material can be applied at the stock-preparation stage of a papermaking process, and can be provided in a dry or preswollen state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functional promoter comprising a water-soluble anionic polymer having a molecular weight of at least about 50,000 daltons and a molecular weight charge index value of at least about 10,000, and a cationic strength component. The invention also relates to a paper product made with such a system, and method for imparting wet strength to a paper product with the functional promoter.

Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.

Abstract: Cationically modified white pigments (W) in particulate form, essentially consisting of a particulate inorganic white pigment (M) of a particle size in the range of 0,1 to 40 ?m and an applied water soluble, cationic, crosslinked polymer (PA) containing quaternary ammonium groups in salt form, obtainable by reaction of epichlorohydrin or of epichlorohydrin derivatives or precursors with amines, under conditions leading to at least partial crosslinking, optionally in combination with an anionic optical brightener (B) and where the molar ratio of (B) to (PA) is such that the number of cationic charges of the total polymer (PA) is higher than the number of anionic charges of the total anionic optical brightener (B), are surprisingly useful as cationic white pigments in various fields of technique, especially in papermaking.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a process for forming polyaminoamide polymers formed by the reaction of a dibasic acid/ester with excess amounts of an amine; the intermediate polymer resulting therefrom; a process for synthesizing effective, high solids resins resulting from the reaction of intermediate polymers with an epihalohydrin; and the resultant high, solids resin. These resins may be used as wet strength resins in the papermaking industry.

Abstract: Modified condensation polymers containing azetidinium groups, such as polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, can be combined with amphiphilic hydrocarbons containing polyethers into a single molecule to provide several potential benefits, depending upon the specific combination employed, including: (a) wet strength aids that impart softness; (b) softeners that do not reduce wet strength: (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry strength ratio; (d) surface feel modifiers with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) wet strength aids with controlled absorbency; (f) wet strength aids with controlled decay rate after wetting; and (g) Yankee dryer additives that provide surface protection and adhesion with controlled release properties.

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: Novel water-resistant, repulpable and hydrophilic papers having a soft feel are prepared from paper pulps containing at least one resin (A) which improves the wet strength thereof and, optionally, at least one wet strength promoter (B), the paper pulps or papers prepared therefrom having been treated with a composition (D) comprising at least one polyorganosiloxane (C) which contains, per molecule, at least one siloxyl unit substituted by at least one functional group V directly bonded to a silicon atom, such functional group V comprising sterically hindered piperidinyl functional group(s).

Abstract: Methods for making creping adhesives and using them in the creping of cellulosic fiber webs. The creping adhesives are a combination of polyamine-epihalohydrin and poly(vinyl alcohol). The method comprises the preparation and application of the creping adhesives to attain strong adhesion of fiber webs onto a drying surface, and the creping of the fiber webs to obtain a soft, bulky tissue paper web.

Abstract: A method for making paper to enhance its wet strength includes adding separately to a cellulosic paper pulp furnish the following additives to form a treated pulp: a cationic wet strength resin whose cationic sites bond to anionic sites of cellulose fibers contained in the paper pulp furnish, and a hydrophobically modified anionic polyelectrolyte whose anionic sites bond with cationic sites of the cationic wet strength resin.

Abstract: They are mixtures of

Abstract: Methods of making paper or paperboard are described. According to one method, fibrous cationic colloidal alumina microparticles and a polymer are introduced to a papermaking pulp to form a treated pulp having improved retention properties. The fibrous cationic colloidal alumina microparticles are preferably a fibrous cationic acetate salt of boehmite alumina having a zeta potential of greater than about 25 and a weight ratio of alumina to acetate of less than about 4. The polymer can be a cationic polymer, a nonionic polymer, an amphoteric polymer under cationic conditions, or combinations thereof. The pulp may also be treated with at least one coagulant, at least one flocculant, at least one cationic starch, at least one cellulytic enzyme, and/or other conventional papermaking pulp additives. The resulting pulp is formed into a sheet of pulp and then drained to form a paper or paperboard. Other papermaking processes are also described as is a papermaking apparatus for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: Soft and strong cellulose-based fibrous web, comprises

Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified cationic polymers which can be obtained by reacting (a) water-soluble, polymeric compounds containing NH groups with (b) compounds which are at least bifunctional with regard to NH groups, which contain at least one alkyl radical or alkenyl radical having at least 8 C atoms, and which contain, as a functional group, a halohydrin, epoxide, carboxyl, chloroformate or isocyanate group or a halogen atom. The invention also relates to a method for producing the polymers by reacting the compounds of groups (a) and (b), and to the use of the modified cationic polymers during the production of paper as fixing agents for papermaking stock containing interfering substances.

Abstract: A composition includes at least one hydrophilic polymer containing primary (—NH2) and/or secondary (—NHR) amine groups and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A method of increasing the strength of paper includes the step of contacting the paper with a composition comprising (i) at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A hydrogel composition is formed from a mixture of at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function.

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.