Abstract: Disclosed is a new composite material comprising nanocellulose and hemp or a hemp-derived component, such as pure hemp, hemp bast fibers, hemp inner fibers, hemp shives, hemp leaves, hemp seeds, or ground hemp. The nanocellulose may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic, and may include cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, cellulose microfibrils, or a combination thereof. This invention provides construction blocks or panels; engineered parts; fire-resistant objects; coatings; containers; textile compositions; and fabric materials, for example. The composite material may also include one or more additives to modify mechanical, thermal, chemical, and/or electrical properties. The addition of nanocellulose can improve the mechanical properties of hemp-containing concrete mixtures to improve compressive strength for construction purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing loaded paper pulp for use in the manufacture of paper or paper board. At least one process stream containing a plurality of unrefined pulp fibers and at least one process stream of at least one filler are combined in a refiner to form a loaded paper pulp composition having a plurality of surface enhanced pulp fibers that are loaded with particles of the at least one filler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst including: a porous carrier including at least one element X selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to Groups 13 and 14 of the periodic table; an oxide of at least one metal element A selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to Groups 3 to 6 of the periodic table; and at least one oxide of a metal element B selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to Group 2 and Groups 7 to 12 of the periodic table, wherein at least a part of the oxide of the metal element A is bonded to the porous carrier.

Abstract: A transfer paper used for a transfer printing method using sublimation textile ink, comprising a base paper and one or more coating layer(s) provided on at least one side of the base paper, wherein an outermost coating layer positioned on the outermost side with respect to the base paper contains at least a pigment, a binder, a polyacrylic acid salt and an acetylene glycol derivative, has image deterioration resistance, good color development property and excellent adhesion property.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer foam may include providing a polymer composition, introducing an alkaline earth metal silicate into the polymer composition, and foaming the polymer composition using a gas to form a polymer foam. A method of producing a polymer-matrix may include providing a polymer composition, nucleating the polymer composition with an alkaline earth metal silicate, and using a blowing agent to form a polymer foam from the polymer composition. The alkaline earth metal silicate may facilitate nucleation of the cells in the polymer foam. A polymer foam composition may include a polymer-based foam matrix and an alkaline earth metal silicate within a cell of the polymer-based foam matrix.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing structured material by providing cellulose fibers and at least one filler and/or pigment, combining the cellulose fibers and the at least one filler and/or pigment, fibrillating the cellulose fibers in the presence of the at least one filler and/or pigment until a gel is formed, subsequently providing additional non-fibrillated fibers, and combining the gel with the additional non-fibrillated fibers.

Abstract: A process for treatment of biomass materials is disclosed. The treatment comprises of applying mechanical rubbing and crushing action to the biomass materials that result in significant reduction in the biomass particle size. The treatment is carried out in a chamber where the biomass is subjected to the action of a plurality of rotating pins against channels disposed on the chamber interior wall. The maceration of the biomass is further aided by impact from a plurality of blocks and sand particles placed inside the treatment chamber that are hurled into motion inside the chamber through collision with the rotating pins. Chemical catalysts may be used to speed up the maceration. These include aluminum silicate, either an acid or alkaline pretreatment, gaseous urea or urea granules. The treatment produces materials that are beneficial in a variety of applications such as soil erosion prevention, biofuel manufacturing, plant growth substrates and animal bedding.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing fine fibers and a sheet containing fine fibers, whereby fiber refinement (fibrillating) of a fiber material is facilitated, freeness and dehydration performance of slurry containing fine fibers obtained after fiber refinement (fibrillating) is favorable and resistance to yellowing of the fine fibers is improved. The present invention provides a method for producing fine fibers, comprising at least the steps of: (a) introducing electrostatic and/or steric functional substituents into a fiber material to obtain substituent-introduced fibers; (b) subjecting the substituent-introduced fibers to mechanical treatment; and (c) eliminating some or all of introduced substituents from the substituent-introduced fine fibers obtained in step (b) to obtain fine fibers from which substituents have been eliminated.

Abstract: Paper coating or binding formulations are provided that comprise aqueous copolymer emulsions including copolymers derived from one or more copolymerizable surfactants of formula I and one or more monomers. The paper coating or binding formulations can include one or more mineral fillers, coating pigments, or mixtures thereof, wherein the total weight concentration of the one or more mineral fillers, coating pigments, or mixtures thereof is 65% or higher, based on the total weight of the composition. Paper products coated with the paper coating or binding formulations, methods of making the paper coating or binding formulations, and methods of making the coated paper products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photodegradable paper including cellulose fibers and, if applicable, fillers, additives and/or other kind of fibers is described. Also described, is a paper particularly in the field of packaging, tissue papers or cigarettes.

Abstract: A fluff pulp or other pulp, comprises a multivalent cationic metal ion selected from the group consisting of Al+3, B+3, Mn+2, Cu+2, Cu+3, Zn+2, Sn+2, Sn+4, water-soluble salt thereof, or combination thereof; an amine-containing anti-static agent; and pulp. Methods of making and using the pulp, as well as articles therefrom, are provided.

Abstract: A filter wrapper paper for a smoking article is shown, the paper having a content of long-fiber pulp of at least 30 wt %, preferably at least 40 wt %, relative to the pure fiber mass of the paper. The freeness of the long-fiber pulp as per ISO 5267, Schopper-Riegler method, is between 80° SR and 100° SR, preferably between 85° SR and 95° SR. The filter wrapper paper has a filler content of less than 10 wt %, preferably less than 8 wt %, and especially preferably less than 6 wt % relative to the total mass of the paper and is impregnated with a material that is suitable for forming an aqueous composition, more particularly an aqueous solution or an aqueous suspension. The oil-resistance of the filter wrapper paper has a KIT level of at least 4, preferably at least 5, according to TAPPI T559 cm-02.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing filled paper, card and board comprising dewatering a paper stock with sheet formation and drying, wherein biodegradable polyester fibers and/or polyalkylene carbonate fibers are added to the paper stock.

Abstract: A process comprising treating a lignocellulosic material preferably pulp in the presence of a transition metal catalyst with a oxidizing agent selected from a group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid and any combination thereof to form a treated lignocellulosic material having a viscosity equal to or less than about 17 cp and having reducing functional groups selected from the group consisting of aldehyde and aldehyde type functional groups at the C6 and C1 positions but predominating at the C1 position.

Abstract: Process for the production of paper, board and cardboard having high dry strength by addition of (a) at least one trivalent cation in the form of a salt, (b) at least one water-soluble cationic polymer and (c) at least one water-soluble amphoteric polymer to the paper stock, draining of the paper stock with sheet formation and subsequent drying of the paper products, the water-soluble cationic polymer (b) being selected from the group consisting of the (i) polymers comprising vinylamine units and (ii) polymers comprising ethylenimine units.

Abstract: Fiber products, comprising in their body at least 20% by weight of cellulose fibers, and adequate amounts of an acid and a cationic retention aid for the acid, can be marked by means of a laser beam.

Abstract: A process in which an at least partially delignified pulp fiber web having a Kappa number of less than about 130 is treated with an aqueous endothermic fire retardant solution having a pH of about 10 or less. The treated pulp fiber web has a near neutral pH of from about 5 to about 9, and is treated with at least about 20 lbs of endothermic fire retardants per ton of the pulp fiber web, with at least about 5% of the total amount of endothermic fire retardants being added at a point prior to when the pulp fiber web is formed. Also a fire resistant pulp fiber web having a near neutral pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of nano-fibrillar cellulose gels by providing cellulose fibers and at least one filler and/or pigment; combining the cellulose fibers and the at least one filler and/or pigment; and fibrillating the cellulose fibers in the presence of the at least one filler and/or pigment until a gel is formed, as well as the nano-fibrillar cellulose gel obtained by this process and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of suspensions of nano-fibrillar cellulose by providing cellulose fibers and at least one filler and/or pigment; combining the cellulose fibers and the at least one filler and/or pigment; and fibrillating the cellulose fibers in the presence of at least one filler and/or pigment, as well as the suspensions of nano-fibrillar cellulose obtained by this process and their uses.

Abstract: The object of the process of the invention is to increase the retention of starch in the sheet of paper in order to reduce operating costs and increase the physical characteristics of the paper. To that end, it has been envisaged that trivalent cationic salts are added, metered into the slurry or in the process for obtaining starch in powder form or by mixing a percentage of trivalent salts in powder form with the starch in powder form, seeking the solution of said salts in the slurry, so that they dissolve during the dispersion of the slurry in the process for obtaining the sheet of paper. Organic polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyvinylamides and polydadmacs could optionally be applied in addition to said salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for controlling deposits in a paper making process, more particularly to a process comprising the use of talc for controlling deposits in a paper making process with talc. One aspect of the invention is contacting talc with a white water stream at one or more locations within the paper making process after separating pulp from a pulp-containing stream and before introducing the re-circulating the white water stream to one or more of a pulper, a thick-stock, a thin-stock, a dilution process, a shower, a storage vessel, a blending process, and a digestor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler composition comprising a) a filler, b) a cationic inorganic compound, c) a cationic organic compound, and d) an anionic polysaccharide, wherein the filler is present in an amount of at least about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, the anionic polysaccharide is present in an amount of about 1 to about 100 kg/ton, based on the weight of filler, and wherein the composition is substantially free from fibers.

Abstract: A process where substrates, such as documents like smooth coated papers, are exposed to a weak acid, a weak acid solution, or mixtures thereof for the purpose of increasing the surface roughness of the substrate.

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: 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: A method is provided for controlling organic contaminants, such as xylans, pitch or both, that interfere with bleaching of fibers and/or cause other interference(s) in papermaking systems. The method includes contacting fibers before any bleaching thereof with a composition which contains a hemicellulolytic enzyme and an organic contaminant removal adjuvant to liberate the organic contaminants from the fibers. The treated fibers can then be bleached and further used, for example, in making paper. The present invention also relates to the treatment compositions and to paper products made with fiber materials treated with these compositions. A method of enhancing enzymatic degradation of a substrate as well as formulations and systems for achieving the same are also provided. Various substrates can be degraded or otherwise processed, including biomass, paper mill sludge, and animal hides. Enzymatic degradation can be enhanced by including one or more polymeric surfactants.

Abstract: A carrier-tape base paper making method and the base paper made thereby fall into the technical field of papermaking. According to performance requirements, the base paper is made through pulp conditioning and papermaking, in which different pulping and auxiliary materials for surface, intermediate and bottom layers are added. The method includes such steps as beating, conditioning, papermaking, calendering and reeling. The carrier-tape base paper features high strength, perfect waterproof and bonding performance, limited physical damages to electronic elements and satisfactory resilience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of paper, card and board, including the steps of draining a filler-containing paper stock, having a certain fibrous concentration and containing at least one water-soluble amphoteric copolymer, with sheet formation in a wire section, then pressing the paper in a press section, diluting the paper stock to a fibrous concentration in the range from 5 to 15 g/l, draining the diluted paper stock to form a sheet, and then pressing the sheet in the press section to a solids content G(x) wt % or greater, such that G(x) computes according to: G(x)=48+(x?15)·0.4, where x is the numerical value of a filler content of the dry paper, card or board (in wt %), and G(x) is a numerical value of the minimal solids content (in wt %) to which the sheet is pressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powder compositions whose particles comprise at least one inorganic pigment, wherein at least one biodegradable polyester polymer and/or polyalkylene carbonate polymer is arranged on the pigment surface, a process for producing these powder compositions and use thereof in the production of paper, card and board.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the dispersion, followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition, a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the first flocculating agent is added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating an aqueous suspension of bleached pulp derived from an alkaline pulping process comprising dewatering and drying said suspension, wherein the pH of the suspension to be treated ranges from about 6.5 to about 12.

Abstract: A process for making paper, comprising contacting an anionic binder with a cationizing agent to make a cationized binder, contacting the cationized binder with an anionic pigment to form a binder/pigment agglomerate, contacting the agglomerate with an aqueous slurry of fibers, and forming a paper product from the slurry. The agglomerate may reduce the total cost of the paper product being produced while maintaining the strength of the paper at acceptable levels.

Abstract: In a method for catalytic oxidation of cellulose a heterocyclic nitroxyl radical is used as catalyst, hypochlorite is used as main oxidant acting as oxygen source, and a tertiary amine or chlorine dioxide as an activator of the heterocyclic nitroxyl radical.

Abstract: A process in which an at least partially delignified pulp fiber web having a Kappa number of less than about 130 is treated with an aqueous endothermic fire retardant solution having a pH of about 10 or less. The treated pulp fiber web has a near neutral pH of from about 5 to about 9, and is treated with at least about 20 lbs of endothermic fire retardants per ton of the pulp fiber web, with at least about 5% of the total amount of endothermic fire retardants being added at a point prior to when the pulp fiber web is formed. Also a fire resistant pulp fiber web having a near neutral pH.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling organic contaminants, such as xylans, pitch or both, that interfere with bleaching of fibers and/or cause other interference(s) in papermaking systems. The method includes contacting fibers before any bleaching thereof with a composition which contains a hemicellulolytic enzyme and an organic contaminant removal adjuvant to liberate the organic contaminants from the fibers. The treated fibers can then be bleached and further used, for example, in making paper. The present invention also relates to the treatment compositions and to paper products made with fiber materials treated with these compositions. A method of enhancing enzymatic degradation of a substrate as well as formulations and systems for achieving the same are also provided. Various substrates can be degraded or otherwise processed, including biomass, paper mill sludge, and animal hides. Enzymatic degradation can be enhanced by including one or more polymeric surfactants.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing paper with a higher proportion of mineral filler particles than is otherwise be possible without the expected loss in paper strength by preflocculating the filler particles. The method allows for the use of the greater amount of filler particles by coating at least some of the filler particles with a material that prevents the filler materials form adhering to a strength additive. The strength additive holds the paper fibers together tightly and is not wasted on the filler particles.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a paper slurry comprising a treated inorganic pigment, wherein the treated inorganic pigment comprises an inorganic pigment comprising a pigment surface area of about 30 to about 75 m2/g; wherein the pigment surface is treated with an organic treating agent comprising a polyalkanol alkane or a polyalkanol amine, present in the amount of at least about 1.5%, and wherein the treated inorganic pigment has a RHI (rat hole index) of about 7 to about 11.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a fluff pulp sheet, comprising contacting at least one cationic trivalent metal, salt thereof, or combination thereof with a composition comprising fluff pulp fibers and water at a first pH, to form a first mixture; contacting at least one debonder surfactant with the first mixture and raising the pH to a second pH, which is higher than the first pH, to form a fluff pulp mixture; forming a web from the fluff pulp mixture; and drying the web, to make the fluff pulp sheet. A fluff pulp sheet is also provided, comprising a web comprising fluff pulp fibers; at least one cationic trivalent metal, salt thereof, or combination thereof; at least one debonder surfactant; and a fiberization energy of <145 kJ/kg. Products and uses of the fluff pulp sheet are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drainage and retention aid composition which comprises: (d) a first anionic component which is a water-soluble anionic organic polymer; (e) a second anionic component which is a water-dispersible or branched anionic organic polymer; and (f) a third anionic component which is an anionic siliceous material; wherein the first, second and third anionic components are present in a dry matter content of from 0.01 to 50% by weight.

Abstract: A method for improving the print quality of paper, a process for preparing such paper and the paper produced thereby are disclosed. The method involves applying to the paper an aqueous solution comprising 0.15 to 6 weight percent calcium in the form of its hydroxide. The supersaturated solution of calcium hydroxide can be obtained from reverse osmosis of milk of lime. The paper produced by the method disclosed exhibits a surface concentration of calcium greater than 3 mg/m2 and less than 360 mg/m2 and at the same time less than 20% of a halide, nitrate, sulfate, carbonate, acetate or formate counter ion.

Abstract: This invention concerns the production of a multilayer fiber product. According to the method, on top of a bottom layer consisting of at least one fiber layer, a second fiber layer is fitted containing filler that forms the surface layer. According to the invention, the layers are formed by multilayer web forming technology, and the surface layer filler includes cellulose or lignocellulose fibrils, on which light-scattering material particles are deposited, having a maximum proportion of the total filler weight of 85%. By means of the invention, a base paper is achieved that is suited to thin, coated paper grades, where conventionally the intrusion of the coating color into the bottom paper and through it is a problem.

Abstract: A method to prepare aqueous furnishes useful as feedstock in the manufacture of very high-mineral content products, particularly paper sheets having mineral filler content up to 90% that display the required physical properties for the intended applications; the furnishes comprise fibrillated long fibers/mineral fillers mixed with anionic acrylic binders and co-additives, in presence or absence of cellulose fibrils; the fibrillated long fibers and cellulose fibrils provide high surface area for greater filler fixation and the reinforcement backbone network that ties all of the product components together; the anionic binders allow rapid and strong fixation of filler particles onto the surfaces of fibrils when mixing is conducted at temperatures higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the binder. The aqueous furnish provides excellent filler retention and drainage during product fabrication.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of papermaking. More in particular, the invention relates to the use of a novel dry strength agent in the wet-end of the papermaking process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a creped fiber web is provided and includes providing a rotating cylindrical dryer surface, providing a creping adhesive composition or coating package having a pH boosted at least 0.5 pH units relative to its original base formulation pH in the range of from about 4.5 to about 9, for chemically setting a crosslinkable polymer component at least in part before applying the creping adhesive composition to the rotating cylindrical dryer surface to provide an adhesive dryer surface on which a fiber web can be transferred, dried, and creped.

Abstract: Compositions such as filled and coated papers may include microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material.

Abstract: A process is provided comprising subjecting a quantity of plant biomass fibers to a pretreatment to cause at least a portion of lignin contained within each fiber to move to an outer surface of said fiber, wherein a quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers is produced; and densifying the quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers to produce one or more densified biomass particulates, wherein said biomass fibers are densified without using added binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate, preferably suitable for inkjet printing, having increased print density, and print mottle, as well as print sharpness, low HST, and/or image dry time, the substrate preferably having high brightness and reduced color-to-color bleed as well. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the HST of a paper substrate by applying the sizing composition to at least one surface thereof. Further, the application relates to methods of making and using the sizing composition, as well as methods of making and using the paper containing the sizing composition.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a fire resistant cellulose product. Such a method comprises processing cellulose fibers into a fiber mixture, and forming a slurry from the fiber mixture and a fire-retarding solution, wherein the slurry has the fire-retarding solution substantially uniformly distributed therethrough. The slurry is then formed into a cellulose product. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A size press (SP) surface sizing composition provides a SP surface sizing for a print medium that is used in a digital printing system. The surface sizing composition includes an aqueous mixture including a macromolecular material in an amount from about 25% to about 75% dry weight; an inorganic metallic salt in an amount from about 3% to about 20% dry weight; and an amount of inorganic pigment ranging from at least 16% to about 60% dry weight, such that a total dry weight equals about 100%.

Abstract: Composite compounds of co-structured or co-adsorbed organic or mineral fillers or pigments containing at least two organic or mineral fillers or pigments of a different nature and the use thereof in the paper industry for manufacturing paper, filling or coating or for any other surface treatment of the paper as well as wood or metal or plastic or cement surface treatment compounds in the fields of aqueous and non-aqueous paints and plastics materials. Coatings colors, uncoated filling compound and sheets of base paper for coating containing them.