Abstract: Provided is a unique class of foam materials characterized by regions of material unidirectionality. The foam materials are configured for a great variety of end-use applications as core materials or as materials in construction of multilayered structures. The novel and ingenious process for making the composite materials of the invention, permits modifying the foam materials to suite any specific end use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treated fiber having reduced hydrogen bonding capabilities, which may be useful in the production of tissue products having improved bulk and softness. The treated fiber comprises a water-insoluble inorganic compound that is generated in situ by reacting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a silicate, a silyl, a silane, and an alkaline metal and a precipitation agent in the presence of the fiber at or above the critical fiber consistency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treated fiber having reduced hydrogen bonding capabilities, which may be useful in the production of tissue products having improved bulk and softness. The treated fiber comprises a water-insoluble inorganic compound that is generated in situ by reacting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a silicate, a silyl, a silane, and an alkaline metal and a precipitation agent in the presence of the fiber at or above the critical fiber consistency.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for increasing the dry strength of paper. The invention utilizes a tailored strength agent whose size and shape is tailored to fit into the junction points between flocs of a paper sheet. The strength agents is in contact with the slurry for just enough time to collect at the junction points but not so much that it can migrate away from there.

Abstract: A modified filler composition for use in composites, such as paper and paper board, which is produced by reacting a filler material with a binder and a reactant material. Also, a method to produce composites, such as paper and paperboard, produced containing the modified filler composition is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermally expandable thermoplastic microspheres comprising a polymer shell made from ethylenically unsaturated monomers encapsulating a propellant, said ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising from 40 to 70 wt % of acrylonitrile, from 5 to 40 wt % of methacrylonitrile, from 10 to 50 wt % of monomers selected from the group consisting of esters of acrylic acid, esters of methacrylic acid and mixtures thereof, and said propellant comprising at least one of methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, n-butane and neo-pentane. The invention further relates to the production and use of the microspheres.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to creped tissue webs, and products produced therefrom. The creped webs and products are strong, soft, and have improved strike-through and absorbency properties. The improvement in both strike-through and absorbency is achieved in-part by increasing the basis weight of the web, while at the same time reducing the creping composition add-on levels.

Abstract: The use in paper coatings is described of a mixture of an aqueous secondary dispersion of a polymer selected from polyalkylene carbonates, polyesters and polyethylene and an aqueous primary dispersion of an emulsion polymer having a glass transition temperature of below 50° C.

Abstract: A modified filler composition used in papermaking is provided. The modified filler composition contains microfibrillated cellulose, filler, and latex having a glass transition temperature of less than 20° C. The dry weight of the microfibrillated cellulose is about 0.1% to about 10% that of the filler; the dry weight of the latex is about 0.1% to about 15% that of the filler.

Abstract: A web-type composite intermediate is formed from fibers and plastic. The composite intermediate is formed by wet web formation from a substantially homogeneous liquid mixture which contains natural fibers, plastic particles having a diameter of less than approximately 1000 ?m, and an agent that improves compatibility between natural fibers and plastic particles. In addition, a method for forming a composite intermediate and the use of the composite intermediate are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a paper substrate useful as a universal release liner, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making the burnthrough resistant non-woven mat include forming the mat from glass fibers and at least two binders, a first binder having a vinyl component and a second binder having a strengthening component. The vinyl component may be, for example, ethylene vinyl chloride, and the strengthening component may be, for example, melamine formaldehyde. In one method, the vinyl component is added to the glass fibers by a beater addition process and the strengthening component is sprayed onto the glass fibers. The burnthrough resistant non-woven mat may be used in conjunction with an insulation blanket, and may be especially suited to use in insulating aircraft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a paper substrate useful as a universal release liner, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Process for the production of paper, board and cardboard having high dry strength by addition of a water-soluble cationic polymer and of an anionic polymer to a paper stock, draining of the paper stock and drying of the paper products, wherein an aqueous dispersion of at least one anionic latex and at least one degraded starch is used as the anionic polymer.

Abstract: Methods for making a heterogeneous polymer blend comprising one or more anionic polymers, one or more cationic polymers, and one or more non-ionic polymers, which method comprises (a) adding to a non-neutral solution a first amount of polymerization initiator and one or more anionic or cationic monomers, wherein each monomer has the same charge; (b) a second amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more non-ionic monomers; (c) adding a third amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more ionic monomers that are oppositely charged from the monomers of (a); adding stepwise, a fourth amount of the polymerization initiator to react any residual monomer, and (e) neutralizing the resulting polymer blend. Also claimed are heterogeneous polymer blends containing polymers formed from one or more anionic, cationic, and non-ionic monomers, either polymerized in situ or separately and then combined.

Abstract: An absorbent composite material may be manufactured by applying a flexible absorbent binder polymer (FAB), also referred to herein as a flexible superabsorbent, during the creping step of conventional tissue manufacturing. As such, the costly process of applying FAB to a substrate by spraying or printing followed by drying may be eliminated. The creping step has the additional advantage of improving the flexibility and softness of the FAB treated fibrous web.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing an optically-enhanced paper-based material are disclosed. The composition can include an optical brightening agent and an additive having an aromatic portion, where the aromatic portion is associated with an optical brightening agent. The paper-based material can exhibit a higher capacity for the optical brightening agent relative to a paper-based material that lacks the additive. Techniques for increasing optical brightening agent retention in a paper-based material are also disclosed. The techniques include using an additive having an aromatic portion, where the aromatic portion associates with an optical brightening agent so that the retention of the optical brightening agent is improved.

Abstract: Method for producing a fibrous web exclusively from cellulose fibers of natural origin, comprising the following procedural steps: forming an essentially uniformly thick, dry fiber layer from loose fibers having a low moisture content, pressing and embossing the fiber layer to obtain a fibrous web and forming an embossed pattern, moistening the fibrous web with a water-latex mixture having a high water concentration (75 to 99% by weight of water) and precipitating the latex in a drying process while the fibers are bonded inside and outside the fiber bond zones.

Abstract: The invention provides a three layered reprographic paper having improved strength, stiffness and curl resistance properties, and a method for making same. The paper has a central core layer made largely of cellulose and bulked with a bulking agent such as a diamide salt. A starch-based metered size press coating is pressed on both sides of the core layer, wherein the starch has a high solid content. The coating forms a three layered paper having an I-beam arrangement with high strength outer layers surrounding a low density core.

Abstract: Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers which are at least partly covered by anionic latices, the slurries being obtainable by treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers with at least one anionic latex which comprises, incorporated in the form of polymerized units, at least one monomer comprising phosphonic and/or phosphoric acid groups, preparation of the aqueous slurries and their use as an additive to the paper stock in the production of filler-containing paper, filler-containing cardboard or filler-containing board by draining the paper stock.

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

Abstract: A filler treatment process enhances the fixation of anionic latex on filler in a short time. Anionic polymer dispersions (latex) are added to papermaking filler slurries at ambient temperature and then mixed with water of temperature higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the latex used. The anionic latexes applied by this process are totally and irreversibly fixed or bound onto the filler particles and the treated filler particle agglomerate to form an aggregated filler slurry which is stable over time. The latex-treated filler slurry can be added to papermaking furnishes at any point prior to the headbox of the paper machine or stored for later use. The latex-treated filler slurry improves filler retention, only slightly reduces sheet strength and improves sizing performance.

Abstract: A core paper comprising fiber material for producing a carrier material that can be laminated and that has at least one proportion of a reconstituted fiber material mixture and a wet sealer as a first additive, characterized in that the core paper comprises at least one active substance active on the boundary surface as a second additive for increasing capillarity at a weight proportion of 0.05% to 2% relative to the material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of recovering and recycling waste coating color from papermaking coating process for use as wet end filler. The inventive method overcomes many technical challenges inherent in using waste coating colors as wet end filler such as the coatings having fine pigments that hurts sheet strength more than regular filler, having strong anionic charge and tendency to disturb wet end chemistry, causing excessive foaming, and containing a large amount of hydrophobic binder particles that tend to agglomerate in the white water and deposit on papermaking equipment. The method involves mixing the coatings with fresh filler particles, adding de-foaming agent, adding cationic coagulant, then preflocculating the mixture. This process causes fresh filler particles, pigments and binders in waste coating color to agglomerate together and form stable flocs with defined particle size distribution.

Abstract: A base sheet for food wrap products. The base sheet can include a pulp-derived papermaking fiber and a fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber having a CSF value of less than about 175 mL.

Abstract: Process for the production of filler-containing papers and filler-containing paper products by addition of an aqueous suspension of at least one finely divided polymer-pigment hybrid to a paper stock and drainage of the paper stock with sheet formation, the polymer-pigment hybrid being obtainable by milling an aqueous suspension of at least one inorganic pigment in the presence of at least one binder and, if appropriate, by drying the aqueous suspension thus obtainable and redispersing the dried polymer-pigment hybrid in water, and the use of the polymer-pigment hybrids thus obtainable as a filler for the production of filler-containing paper or filler-containing paper products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface treatment composition for paper, board or other fibrous webs. The composition of the invention comprises particles which comprise an active material and a supporting material. The active material comprises a salt or a multivalent metal, such as a divalent or trivalent metal. In accordance with the invention, the supporting material is adapted to release the active material from the particles when subjected to heat and/or pressure and/or a change in pH. Consequently, the active material's adverse effects on the rheology of the composition are avoided while its desired effects on the surface characteristics are retained or enhanced.

Abstract: Process for treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers, an aqueous dispersion of at least one latex and an aqueous slurry of at least one starch being metered separately from one another into an aqueous slurry of at least one finely divided filler.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers, wherein the treatment is carried out by heating an aqueous slurry of at least one finely divided filler and then by adding an aqueous dispersion of at least one latex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily and efficiently manufacturing microfibrous cellulose composite sheets. The present invention is a method for manufacturing microfibrous cellulose composite sheets, including a preparation process in which a polymer emulsion is mixed with an aqueous suspension including microfibrous cellulose, thereby preparing a mixed fluid, a papermaking process in which the mixed fluid is dehydrated on a porous base material through filtration, and a sheet including moisture is formed, and a drying process in which the sheet including moisture is heated and dried. In addition, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a microfibrous cellulose composite sheet laminate, in which the microfibrous cellulose sheets are thermally compressed and thus laminated as they are or after being provided with a polymer layer on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: A creped paper product is provided according to the invention. The creped paper product comprises a result of creping a web of fibers comprising synthetic fibers to provide a creped paper product having a stretch of at least 3% in the machine direction according to TAPPI test T494. The web of fibers can include about 0.5 wt. % to 100 wt. % synthetic fibers based on the total weight of the fibers. In addition, the web of fibers can contain about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of synthetic fibers and about 90 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % of cellulosic fibers. When the web of fiber includes a mixture of synthetic fibers and cellulosic fibers, the creped paper product can be provided having a tear strength in the machine direction according to TAPPI test T494 at least 10% greater than an otherwise identical creped paper product that does not contain synthetic fibers. A method for forming a creped paper product is provided according to the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a print medium for high speed, digital inkjet printing, which has high brightness and is resistant to yellowing. The print medium includes a base paper formed from a fiber furnish containing at least 30% by weight of mechanical pulp, and a coating layer formed on at least one surface of the base paper. The coating layer contains a metallic salt, a combination of two different binders at a predetermined ratio, and at least one inorganic pigment. A method of making the print medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wet-laid absorbent sheet includes a mixture of pulp-derived papermaking fibers and synthetic polymer fibers, a strength agent selected from carboxymethylcellulose and anionic starch as well as an epihalohydrin/amine functional wet strength resin. Also included is an anionic olefin copolymer resin effective to increase the wet/dry tensile ratio of the sheet.

Abstract: A continuous fiIter treatment process in which anionic polymer dispersions (latex) are added to common papermaking filler slurries ai ambient temperature and then mixed with water of temperature higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the latex used. To efficiently fix the latex the temperature of the filler/latex mixture must be 30-60° C. higher than ihe Tg of the latex used. The chemical composition of the resin and the type of surfactant used during the emulsion polymerization process of the polymer latex dispersions are important factors for efficiently fixing the latex onto the filler by adding hot water and improving the properties of paper made with the treated filler. Enhanced fixation of anionic latex onto filler using hot water is done in mixing vessels that can control shear and mixing time. The anionic latexes are totally and irreversibly fixed or bound onto the filler particles and the aggregated filler slurry is stable over time.

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 fibers 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: The invention improves a sizing effect even on paper containing no internal sizing agent and improves productivity by making solution polymerization in a small amount of an organic solvent. The invention provides a cationic surface sizing agent composed of a copolymer obtained by solution polymerization of (a) 15 to 35% by weight of a tertiary amino group-containing monomer, (b) 30 to 85% by weight of C1 to C4 alkyl(meth)acrylate, and (c) 1 to 50% by weight of styrenes in an organic solvent in the presence of a chain transfer agent. The copolymer may be subjected to cationization treatment with a quaternization agent. As a constituent monomer of the copolymer, 0 to 20% by weight of another copolymerizable vinyl monomer (d) may be contained. The cationic surface sizing agent is applied to paper.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of recovering and recycling waste coating color from papermaking coating process for use as wet end filler. The inventive method overcomes many technical challenges inherent in using waste coating colors as wet end filler such as the coatings having fine pigments that hurts sheet strength more than regular filler, having strong anionic charge and tendency to disturb wet end chemistry, causing excessive foaming, and containing a large amount of hydrophobic binder particles that tend to agglomerate in the white water and deposit on papermaking equipment. The method involves mixing the coatings with fresh filler particles, adding de-foaming agent, adding cationic coagulant, then preflocculating the mixture. This process causes fresh filler particles, pigments and binders in waste coating color to agglomerate together and form stable flocs with defined particle size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention refers in one embodiment to a method of manufacturing multilayer coated papers and paperboards, but excluding photographic papers and pressure sensitive copying papers, that are especially suitable for printing, packaging and labeling purposes, in which at least two curtain layers selected from aqueous emulsions or suspensions are formed into a composite, free-falling curtain and a continuous web of basepaper or baseboard is coated with the composite curtain, and paper or paperboard thereby obtainable.

Abstract: Tissue products are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web as the web is being formed. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web in a post processing operation. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the web as a creping adhesive during a creping operation.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers, wherein the treatment is carried out by heating an aqueous slurry of at least one finely divided filler and then by adding an aqueous dispersion of at least one latex.

Abstract: Process for treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers, an aqueous dispersion of at least one latex and an aqueous slurry of at least one starch being metered separately from one another into an aqueous slurry of at least one finely divided filler.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to storage stable aqueous optical brightener/PVOH solutions of low viscosity which may be used directly by the papermaker, in that they can be metered by pump directly into a coating composition, and which provide coated papers of a surprisingly high whiteness

Abstract: The invention provides a low density paperboard material and associated method for use in producing an insulated container, and is especially well-suited for making cups. The paperboard material comprises a paperboard web including wood fibers and expanded microspheres, and has a relatively low density ranging from about 6 to about 10 lb/3 MSF/mil, a relatively high caliper ranging from about 24 to about 35 mil, and an internal bond strength of at least about 80×10?3 ft-lbf., preferably at least 100×10?3 lft-lbf. For applications such as cups the material is also coated on one or both sides with a barrier coating, preferably low density polyethylene, to limit liquid penetration into the web. The low density paperboard material of the invention is convertible for manufacture of containers, particularly cups, and exhibits insulative properties comparable to higher cost materials conventionally used to make cups.

Abstract: The invention provides a low density paperboard material and associated method for use in producing an insulated container, and is especially well-suited for making cups. The paperboard material comprises a paperboard web including wood fibers and expanded microspheres, and has a relatively low density ranging from about 6 to about 10 lb/3MSF/mil, a relatively high caliper ranging from about 24 to about 35 mil, and an internal bond strength of at least about 80×10?3 ft-lbf., preferably at least 100×10?3 lft-lbf. For applications such as cups the material is also coated on one or both sides with a barrier coating, preferably low density polyethylene, to limit liquid penetration into the web. The low density paperboard material of the invention is convertible for manufacture of containers, particularly cups, and exhibits insulative properties comparable to higher cost materials conventionally used to make cups.

Abstract: Paper coated with a coating slip containing at least one optical brightener is produced by a process in which base paper or precoated paper is treated, before application of the coating slip containing optical brightener, with at least one substance which enhances the efficiency of optical brighteners.

Abstract: Making mats using glass fibers having a diameter of about 13+/?3 microns, bound with a binder formed from a homopolymer or a copolymer of polyacrylic acid and a polyol produces fibrous nonwoven mats having high tensile strength and also an unexpected high flame resistance considering the amount of oxygen in the binder. Mats of the present invention pass the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Flammability Test. Tabor stiffness of these mats is greater than about 40, preferably greater than about 50 and most preferably greater than about 55. Air permeability of the mats is preferably within the range of about 500 to about 800 CFM/sq. ft. Methods of making the mat are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layered paperboard having a high brightness and exceptional uniformity. The white topped paperboard has a base layer(s) made from wood pulp and a top fibrous layer made of unbleached wood fiber, filler and a binder to create a top fibrous layer of sufficient uniformity at moderate brightness levels. The top fibrous layer optionally contains a coagulant and/or a retention aid. In a preferred embodiment, the top fibrous layer of the multi-layered paperboard product is coated with a coating of additional fillers and binders to produce the desired level of brightness and uniformity. The invention also includes a process for making a multi-layered paperboard.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of producing a coated paper or paperboard, but excluding photographic papers, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a free flowing curtain comprising at least one layer, whereby the composition forming at least one layer of the free flowing curtain has a high shear viscosity of at least about 50 mPa·s, and (b) contacting the curtain with a continuous web substrate of basepaper and paperboard.

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.