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: A paper product containing hardwood fibers that are treated with certain hydrolytic enzymes, such as endo-glucanases, is provided. Moreover, the paper product includes other types of fibers, such as softwood fibers, that may also be treated with certain hydrolytic enzymes. In addition, other ingredients, such as cross-linking agents, debonders, strength agents, etc., can be applied to further enhance the properties of the paper product. In particular, paper products formed according to the present invention can be strong, soft, and have low lint and slough production.

Abstract: A fiber cement composite material providing improved rot resistance and durability, the composite material incorporating biocide treated fibrous pulps to resist microorganism attacks. The biocide treated fibers have biocides attached to inner and outer surfaces of individualized fibers to protect the fibers from fungi, bacteria, mold and algae attacks. The biocides selected have strong affinity to cellulose and do not interfere with cement hydration reactions. This invention also discloses the formulation, the method of manufacturing and the final fiber cement products using the biocide treated fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulosic fibers having high wet bulk and methods for their preparation. In one embodiment, the invention provides cellulosic fibers catalytically crosslinked with glyoxal and, optionally, a glycol. In another embodiment, cellulosic fibers are crosslinked with a combination of glyoxal and a glyoxal-derived resin selected from the group consisting of a glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal condensate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate has a housing with an inlet and an accept outlet. A rotatable distribution member is positioned within the housing. A rotor and stator assembly is positioned within the housing radially outside of the distribution member. A toothed ring is interposed between the distribution rotor and the rotor and stator assembly. The toothed ring and the rotor and stator assembly define a gas ring therebetween. A reactant gas supply is fluidly coupled with the gas ring. A method for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate can be practiced with the apparatus, The method controls various factors and provides low shear treatment of the suspension to promote selective crystal formation.

Abstract: Cellulose particles are described that have cationic groups in their interior. In one aspect, at least 10%, and preferably 50% or more, of the cationic groups are present within the particle interior. Also disclosed are particular combinations of such cellulose particles with certain water-soluble polymers that are well suited for use in the papermaking industry.

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 relates to a process for stabilizing the pH of a pulp suspension with buffering agents and to a process for producing paper from a stabilized pulp suspension. The alkalinity of the pulp suspension is increased by a combination of an alkali metal hydroxide feed and a carbon dioxide feed. Said feeds provide a significant buffering effect which stablilizes the pH of said pulp suspension for the paper making process.

Abstract: For a process and an apparatus for loading fibers contained in a pulp suspension with calcium carbonate, a calcium oxide and/or a medium containing calcium hydroxide is fed to the pulp suspension, and the so treated pulp suspension is further charged in several reactors with pure carbon dioxide or a medium containing carbon dioxide. The reactors can be connected in series and/or in parallel. The reactor can produce different forms of calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filler used in paper manufacture and mainly consisting of calcium carbonate, and to a procedure for producing the filler. The filler consists of porous aggregates formed by precipitated calcium carbonate particles. In the procedure, calcium carbonate is precipitated.

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 method for manufacture of loaded paper or paperboard products, comprising the steps of separating at least one process stream from the papermaking process, wherein the process stream includes fines and/or filler; combining the process stream with long fibers and thickening to form a residue; treating the residue to form fiber-filler complexes; and using the fiber-filler complexes in the papermaking process to form the paper.

Abstract: For a process and an apparatus for loading fibers contained in a pulp suspension with calcium carbonate, a calcium oxide and/or a medium containing calcium hydroxide is fed to the pulp suspension, and the so treated pulp suspension is further charged in several reactors with pure carbon dioxide or a medium containing carbon dioxide. The reactors can be connected in series and/or in parallel.

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: 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 fiber loading apparatus continuously loads fibers in a fiber suspension with a chemical compound. A pulper has an inner chamber, a shear imparting device within the inner chamber, an inlet and an outlet. The pulper inlet receives a fiber suspension at a consistency of between 20 and 30%. The shear imparting device, which may be configured as a rotor, imparts high shear forces to the fiber suspension. A fluffer includes an inner chamber, an inlet and an outlet. The fluffer inlet is connected with the pulper outlet. A reactor includes an inner chamber, an inlet and an outlet. The reactor inlet is connected with the fluffer outlet. A gas supply is connected with the fluffer inner chamber and/or reactor inner chamber. The gas supply supplies and pressurizes the fluffer inner chamber and/or reactor inner chamber with a gas, such as carbon dioxide or ozone, acting as a reactant for the chemical compound to be loaded into fibers of the fiber suspension.

Abstract: Chemical additives can be adsorbed on cellulosic papermaking fibers at high levels with a minimal amount of unadsorbed chemical additives present in the papermaking process water. A method includes treating a fiber slurry with an excess of the chemical additive, allowing sufficient residence time for adsorption to occur, filtering the slurry to remove unadsorbed chemical additives, and redispersing the filtered pulp with fresh water. Filtrate from the thickening process contains unadsorbed chemical additive and it is not sent forward in the process with the chemically treated fibers. The method can be employed to make improved paper products.

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: An apparatus for continuously loading fibers in a fiber suspension with a chemical compound includes a deflocculating vessel having an interior chamber, a fluid inlet connected with the interior chamber, a fluid outlet connected with the interior chamber, and a high shear imparting device disposed within the interior chamber for imparting high shear forces to and thereby deflocculating the fiber suspension. A mixing container has an interior compartment, a fluid inlet connected with both the interior compartment and the fluid outlet of the deflocculating vessel, a fluid outlet connected with the interior compartment, and a low shear imparting device within the interior compartment for imparting low shear forces to the fiber suspension. A gas supply is connected with the interior chamber of the deflocculating vessel and/or the interior compartment of the mixing container. The gas supply is configured for supplying a gas to and pressurizing each of the deflocculating vessel and the mixing container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for adding a filler into a pulp based on cellulose fibers, in which the pulp is fluidized and the filler is added into it. Preferably the pulp is stirred in the fluidized state while the filler is being added. The pulp is preferably at a medium consistency when the filler is being added. Preferably the filler added into the pulp is calcium hydroxide and the calcium carbonate is precipitated with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for preparing a paper web. According to the process a pulp is formed from a fibrous raw material, a web is formed from the pulp and it is dried on a paper machine. According to the invention the pulp is formed from a mechanical pulp produced from a peroxide bleached mechanical wood raw material of the genus Populus, the pH of proportioning of the mechanical pulp being set at 6.8 to 7.2 and the machine pH at 7.1 to 7.5 and the conductivity of the pulp being set at 1000 to 1500 &mgr;S/cm. By using a relatively low pH value and a narrow pH range it is possible to diminish the sensitivity to disturbances of the paper making process. According to the present invention a mechanical aspen pulp can be combined with chemical pulp for preparing base paper of fine paper, whereby the mechanical pulp gives a high conductivity on the machine which improves the stability of the wet end and enhances water removal.

Abstract: Chemical additives can be adsorbed on cellulosic papermaking fibers at high levels with a minimal amount of unadsorbed chemical additives present in the papermaking process water. A method includes treating a fiber slurry with an excess of the chemical additive, allowing sufficient residence time for adsorption to occur, filtering the slurry to remove unadsorbed chemical additives, and redispersing the filtered pulp with fresh water. Filtrate from the thickening process contains unadsorbed chemical additive and it is not sent forward in the process with the chemically treated fibers. The method can be employed to make improved paper products.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new technology related to cellulose fiber reinforced cement composite materials using the loaded cellulose fibers. This invention discloses four aspects of the technology: fiber treatment, formulation, method and final product. This technology advantageously provides fiber cement building materials with the desirable characteristics of reduced water absorption, reduced rate of water absorption, lower water migration, and lower water permeability. This invention also impart the final products improved freeze-thaw resistance, reduced efflorescence, reduced chemical dissolution and re-deposition, and improved rot and fire resistances, compared to conventional fiber cement products. These improved attributes are gained without loss in dimensional stability, strength, strain or toughness.

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 relates to a filler used in paper manufacture and mainly consisting of calcium carbonate, and to a procedure for producing the filler. The filler consists of porous aggregates formed by precipitated calcium carbonate particles. In the procedure, calcium carbonate is precipitated.

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: A method of continuously loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate. The fibers include a fiber wall surrounding a lumen. A reactant solid in the form of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide is mixed into the fiber suspension with a resultant initial process pH of between 11 and 12. The fiber suspension is transported at a consistency of between approximately 15 and 30% into an inner chamber of a closed reactor. A reactant gas is injected into the reactor, whereby the reactor is pressurized to a pressure between 5 and 150 psi. A temperature of the fiber suspension within the reactor is controlled at a range between −10° C. and 80° C. The fibers within the fiber suspension are loaded with calcium carbonate as a result of a chemical reaction between the reactant solid and the reactant gas in the reactor over a predetermined reaction time.

Abstract: During the chemical process of loading with calcium carbonate fibers contained in a pulp suspension, a medium containing calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide is added to the pulp suspension. This treated pulp suspension is charged in at least one reactor with pure carbon dioxide (or a medium containing carbon dioxide), which, during the progression of the reaction, converts at least a significant portion of the starting materials (calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide) into the reaction products, calcium carbonate and water. This reaction is accomplished by properly controlling the pulp suspension's pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for softening cellulose pulp using chemical softening agents or debonders, which include compositions comprising lower alkyl acid esters or cyclic esters of polyhydroxy compounds, without adversely affecting the absorbency of the cellulose fiber products thereof, and products thereof. The process of the invention may also be used in combination with plasticizing agents for cellulose such as glycerol, mono- and di-saccharides, glycols, and oligomers thereof. The process of the invention provides cellulosic fiber which is easier to fluff (refiberize) and to subsequently densify airlaid pads formed from the resulting individualized fibers, without adversely affecting absorbency.

Abstract: For a process and an apparatus for loading fibers contained in a pulp suspension with calcium carbonate, a calcium oxide and/or a medium containing calcium hydroxide is fed to the pulp suspension, and the so treated pulp suspension is further charged in several reactors with pure carbon dioxide or a medium containing carbon dioxide. The reactors can be connected in series and/or in parallel.

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.

Abstract: Virgin fibers or de-inked recycled fibers modified by steam explosion in the presence of certain chemicals are able to form handsheets with higher bulk while substantially retaining strength and brightness.

Abstract: Device and process for applying a liquid or paste-like medium onto a traveling material web of paper or cardboard. In the application of the application medium, the material web is transferred from a first twin wire zone to a second twin wire zone. The second twin wire zone may be more finely meshed than the first twin wire zone to reduce marking and impressions in the web. The application medium may be applied and drained from one side or from both sides of the first twin wire zone or second twin wire zone. Application devices and draining (suction) devices for the application medium may oppose each other across a twin wire zone, or be arranged in alternating fashion along a twin wire zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filled used in paper manufacture and mainly consisting of calcium carbonate, and to a procedure for producing the filler. The filler consists of porous aggregates formed by precipitated calcium carbonate particles. In the procedure, calcium carbonate is precipitated.

Abstract: A soft tissue product and method for making a soft tissue product which exhibits resistance to limiting while maintaining physical strength integrity. The process includes debonding and mechanically treating papermaking fibers, forming a tissue web and drying the tissue web. The process allows for the use of high levels of debonding agents and hardwood fibers.

Abstract: A method is described for attaining high levels of loading of calcium carbonate fillers in the lumens of wood pulp fibers. The pulp is pretreated with a cationic polymer prior to being impregnated with the filler. Different conditions of pH and temperature are specified depending on whether the filler is a precipitated calcium carbonate or a ground calcium carbonate. The lumen-loaded pulps are used to make novel products with advantages in higher filler retention and sheet strength over conventionally made papers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filler used in paper manufacture and mainly consisting of calcium carbonate, and to a procedure for producing the filler. The filler consists of porous aggregates formed by precipitated calcium carbonate particles. In the procedure, calcium carbonate is precipitated.

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: An absorbent cellulose product includes cellulose fibers which are cross-linked by reaction with an effective quantity of one or more water-soluble polymers which are produced in advance, which have an average molecular weight of between 350 and 70,000 g/mol, and which possess free acid or aldehyde groups. When the product is being prepared, the cellulose fibers are impregnated with the polymers in aqueous solution. The impregnated substance is dried and defibered at the latest after drying, after which the defibered cellulose fibers are cross-linked in the dry state by means of heating the impregnated, dried and defibered cellulose product.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified cellulosic fibers having a dry zero span tensile index that is substantially less than the dry zero span tensile index of the corresponding unmodified cellulosic fibers. Fibers having reduced dry zero span tensile may provide fibrous structures having improved hand feel compared with fibers prepared from unmodified fibers. In particular, such modified fibers provide fibrous structures with improved flexibility, which is perceived as improved softness. The reduced dry zero span tensile is preferably achieved by reacting the fibers with one or more cellulase enzymes and one or more debonders. The invention also relates to a fibrous structure having a density of not more than about 0.

Abstract: A coated aramid fiber is disclosed wherein the coating is a small amount of chitosan and the coated fiber is useful in manufacture of an improved friction paper. An improved friction paper is, also, disclosed wherein chitosan is present throughout the paper as a coating on all components.

Abstract: Cellulose particles are provided which have cationic groups even in the interior.

Abstract: A coated aramid fiber is disclosed wherein the coating is a small amount of chitosan and the coated fiber is useful in manufacture of an improved friction paper. An improved friction paper is, also, disclosed wherein chitosan is present throughout the paper as a coating on all components.

Abstract: The invention is a method for improving the efficiency of aqueous cationic wet strength additives by pretreating cellulose surfaces with reactive anionic compounds, thus providing the cellulose surface with additional anionic sites suitable for retaining a high proportion of said cationic wet strength additives on the cellulose. The wet strength additives on the cellulose surface are cured or reacted with the cellulose surface. The resulting fibrous material has unusually high wet strength with unusually low doses of cationic wet strength additive. The preferred reactive anionic compounds comprise compounds having a reactive group suitable for covalent bonding to hydroxyl groups on cellulose, and further having sulfonic or other anionic end groups capable of attracting cationic wet strength compounds in aqueous solution. The invention also includes means of preventing photoyellowing of high-yield fibers while simultaneously improving wet strength performance.

Abstract: Metal oxides or metal hydroxides, such as titanium dioxide, are incorporated into papermaking fibers by absorbing an organometallic compound into the fiber walls while the fibers are dry or slurried with a non-aqueous solvent and thereafter contacting the ester-containing fibers with water to precipitate the metal oxides or metal hydroxides. The resulting modified fibers can provide greater opacity and other improved properties to papers made from such fibers.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for improving the lay flat properties of paper which comprises applying to a cellulosic fibrous web an aqueous solution consisting essentially of a dialdehyde, preferably glyoxal, and from about 50 to about 150 parts by weight of a polyol, preferably glycerol, per 100 parts of the dialdehyde and then drying the web at a temperature sufficient to cure the glyoxal and polyol. The concentration of dialdehyde and polyol in the solution is sufficient to provide a combined total of from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent dialdehyde and polyol in the web based on the oven-dry weight of the paper. The solution is preferably applied in a papermaking process at or after the wet press and prior to treating the web with chemicals having free hydroxyl groups which may react with the dialdehyde.

Abstract: Pigmented paper fibers of improved brightness and light scattering ability are produced by treating the pulp fibers with 0.1 to about 10 wt. % of a silica/alumina sulfate sol composition at a temperature of about 50 to 80.degree. C. and good agitation.