Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising: sulfuric acid; a heterocyclic compound; an alkanesulfonic acid; and a peroxide. Said composition being capable of delignifying biomass under milder conditions than conditions under which kraft pulping takes place.

Abstract: A process for bleaching trichome fibers individualized from a trichome source, such as a leaf and/or a stem, is disclosed. The process of bleaching degrades trichome associated protein. Further, the bleaching processes improves the color of the trichomes.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of adding one or more boronic acid functional compounds to a mineral ore to result in a treated mineral ore. Where the mineral ore is a bauxite ore, and the ore is subsequently processed according to the Bayer process to obtain alumina, adding a boronic acid functional compound to the bauxite ore or a Bayer product followed by processing the treated bauxite ore or treated Bayer product using one or more processes associated with the Bayer process results in an increased yield of alumina product, increased alumina content (purity) in the alumina product obtained, or both when compared to the same bauxite ore or Bayer product subjected to the same process(es) but in the absence of a boronic acid functional compound.

Abstract: A process for production of lignins and synthetic gas including the steps of extracting lignins and hemicellulose by putting solid Lignocellulosic Raw Material in contact with a mixture of water and formic acid at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature between 80° C. and 110° C.; fractionating, the primary solid fraction and the primary liquid fraction; separating the lignins from the intermediate liquid fraction; and gasifying at least part of said primary solid fraction and/or at least part of said residual liquid fraction for producing synthetic gas.

Abstract: Some variations provide a process for producing a nanocellulose material, comprising: providing a biomass feedstock comprising a bleached or unbleached pulp material; fractionating the feedstock in the presence of an acid, a solvent for lignin, and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form cellulose fibrils and/or cellulose crystals, thereby generating a nanocellulose material. The process is preferably co-located with, or adjacent to, a mill that generates the pulp material. There are several advantages of a bolt-on AVAP® nanocellulose plant to an existing pulp mill, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Solutions and methods are disclosed for the extraction and quantification of cellulose derived from cellulosic biomass samples. Improved extraction yields and selectivities are provided through the use of an extraction solvent mixture comprising an aprotic solvent such as DMSO, a quaternary ammonium salt such as TBAF, and an quaternary ammonium base such as TBAOH. The extracted cellulose can be optionally precipitated using disclosed precipitation solutions to further improve cellulose purity. Extracted cellulose can be measured by hydrolyzing the cellulose to glucose or cellobiose, or by using disclosed spectrophotometric assays of cellulose-salt complexes.

Abstract: A method of reducing salinity of saline soil, comprising providing a sawdust and corn stover-based biochar, contacting the sawdust and corn stover-based biochar with a saline soil, and adsorbing salts in the soil with the sawdust and corn stover-based biochar. The sawdust and corn stover-based biochar can be prepared by hydrothermally carbonizing a mixture including equal proportions of corn stover and sawdust.

Abstract: A process for bleaching trichome fibers individualized from a trichome source, such as a leaf and/or a stem, is disclosed. The process of bleaching degrades trichome associated protein. Further, the bleaching processes improves the color of the trichomes.

Abstract: Cellulose-containing compositions and method of making same are disclosed. The compositions comprise a cellulose product comprising a type-I cellulose, a type-II cellulose, amorphous cellulose, or a combination thereof. Further, methods are disclosed for making these compositions and for further hydrolyzing these compositions. Additionally, uses for the cellulose-containing compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: An acid-generating fluid includes a thermally activated strong acid precursor. The thermally activated strong acid precursor can include a component selected from aldehydes, ketones, and combinations thereof, in combination with a precursor of a compound adapted to react to liberate sulfur dioxide; or it can include sulfur dioxide in combination with a precursor of a compound adapted to react to liberate a component selected from aldehydes, ketones, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for bleaching an unbleached or pre-bleached paper pulp comprising at least the following consecutive steps: a) preparing an unbleached or pre-bleached paper pulp having a pH of at least 8, b) bringing the paper pulp obtained at the end of step a) into contact with chlorine dioxide, c) when the pH of the paper pulp obtained from step b) is lower than 10, adding at least one Brønsted base to the paper pulp, d) adding hydrogen peroxide to the paper pulp obtained at the end of step c), e) maintaining the paper pulp obtained at the end of step d) in a first bleaching tower, f) optionally, adding sulphuric acid to the paper pulp obtained at the end of step e) and maintaining the obtained paper pulp in a second bleaching tower, the method dispensing with the need for a step of washing the paper pulp before the end of step e), and, if applicable, before the end of step f).

Abstract: A process for the production of cellulose, lignocellulosic sugars, lignosulfonate, and ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. The process comprises steaming, pretreatment, chemical recovery, saccharification, and optionally fermentation. The pretreatment conditions use only sulfur dioxide and water, simultaneously resulting in high glucan conversion to glucose at low enzyme charges, high recovery of hemicellulose-derived monomeric sugars, high lignosulfonate yield, and the absence of lignin precipitates. High-yield production of ethanol through fermentation can be obtained using this process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fast and high-capacity intelligent cellulose-based oil-absorbing material and a preparation method and use thereof. The material includes an intelligent response layer and an adsorption layer. The intelligent response layer is a pH-responsive nanofiber layer with an adjustable pH response performance and is obtained by grafting hyperbranched polycarboxylic acid-modified polyethyleneimine on to carboxylated cellulose nanofibers. The hyperbranched polycarboxylic acid is prepared by melting and polycondensing at a high temperature, using trimethylolpropane as a core, citric acid as a reactive monomer, and p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The adsorption layer is prepared by coating ferroferric oxide with the carboxylated cellulose nanofibers to prepare magnetic carboxylated cellulose nanofibers, and then modifying the magnetic carboxylated cellulose nanofibers with hexadecylamine.

Abstract: A particle for treatment and repair of soil contamination is mainly composed of potassium ferrate and an inorganic cementitious material. The inorganic cementitious material is a powdery air-hardening or hydraulicity inorganic cementitious material. The potassium ferrate and the inorganic cementitious material are mixed according to the mass fraction of 1:5-50. After mixing is carried out, the particle with the particle diameter ranging from 2 mm to 5 mm is formed by means of vibration of a vibration screen, the particle is wrapped by a water-soluble film, and the water-soluble film is heated to be shrunk and then is closely attached to the outer surface of the particle. Also disclosed is a method for repairing soil by using the particle. When the particle is mixed with an ozone water solution is adopted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing spinnable cellulose at least in part from citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. In a preferred embodiment, cellulose is extracted from citrus fruits, discarded by the citrus fruits plantations and/or from parts of citrus fruits, waste of the industrial processing of citrus fruits derivatives. Cellulose is extracted from the entire peel of citrus fruits, which includes both albedo and flavedo, or only from albedo. Preferably, cellulose is obtained by chemical extraction, preferably in the absence of chlorine, comprising the treatment of raw materials derived from citrus fruits with hydrogen peroxide under basic conditions. Cellulose obtained by the process of the present invention is optionally mixed with cellulose obtained by different processes, for example with cellulose extracted from wood.

Abstract: A method for preparing stably dispersed cellulose nanofibers comprises the following steps: 1) mixing cellulose and an organic solvent, the percentage of the cellulose being 1% to 15% in weight; 2) adding an esterification agent into the resultant mixture of step 1), the molar ratio of the esterification agent to the cellulose being from 1:0.1 to 4; and 3) physically breaking the resultant mixture of step 2) until a suspension liquid with stably dispersed cellulose nanofibers of 2-1000 nm in diameter and 10-100 ?m in length is obtained, an esterification reaction of hydroxyl group(s) on the surface of cellulose fibers occurring at the time of the breaking. Also disclosed are dispersed cellulose nanofibers with improved compatibility to the matrix than the untreated cellulose and an improved strength of the composite materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to materials and methods for producing a wide range of raw materials from plant biomass. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for efficient decortication of plant biomass using a thermally regulated process to generate reactive oxygen species in the presence of a catalyst. Embodiments of the present disclosure address the need for improved methods with which to obtain a wide range of raw materials from plant biomass without the need for industrial decortication machines and without producing harmful industrial waste.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to materials and methods for producing a wide range of raw materials from plant biomass. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for efficient decortication of plant biomass using a thermally regulated process to generate reactive oxygen species in the presence of a catalyst. Embodiments of the present disclosure address the need for improved methods with which to obtain a wide range of raw materials from plant biomass without the need for industrial decortication machines and without producing harmful industrial waste.

Abstract: A cellulosic tissue includes cellulosic fibers selected from the group consisting of chemically pulped fibers and mechanically pulped fibers, the cellulosic fibers have from about 10% to about 50% by weight eucalyptus fibers having a lignin content of at least about 20% by weight, and from about 3% to about 10% by weight regenerated cellulosic microfibers.

Abstract: A method of separating hemicellulose and cellulose by dissolution of hemicellulose from a hemicellulose-rich source, such as a pulp of any origin or from holocellulose. In the method, hemicellulose is dissolved in a solvent system comprising a cellulose solvent, which is either a ionic liquid or another direct cellulose solvent, and a molecular solvent (co-solvent), wherein said co-solvent does not dissolve cellulose, and wherein the solvent basicity and acidity of said ionic liquid or other direct cellulose solvent are adequately adjusted by the co-solvent. The present invention enables quantitative separation of cellulose and hemicellulose without any depolymerization and yield losses as occurring during conventional dissolving pulp manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A process for treating a cellulosic material comprising extracting hemicellulose from the cellulosic material with an extractant comprising a cellulose solvent and a co-solvent to selectively extract hemicellulose therefrom and separating the extracted hemicellulose to form a cellulosic product comprising less hemicellulose than the cellulosic material. The extractant comprises a cellulose solvent and a co-solvent. The cellulose solvent is selected from the group consisting of an ionic liquid, an amine oxide and combinations thereof, and the co-solvent may preferably have a boiling point less than 120° C., or less than 100° C. The cellulosic product advantageously retains its cellulosic fiber morphology. The processes involve separating and recovering the hemicellulose and separating and recycling various process streams employed in the process.

Abstract: A solvent spun bamboo fiber with a high wet modulus and a producing method thereof are disclosed. The producing method includes: activating by adding a bamboo pulp into de-ionized water, adjusting the pH value, adding cellulase and adjusting the pH value by adding alkali; squeezing by vacuum dehydration; pre-dissolving by adding an aqueous solution containing 50-88% by mass of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide; then dissolving by putting the above pre-dissolved mixture into a dissolver, heating, vacuumizing, dehydrating, dissolving, homogenizing and defoaming; spinning by spraying through a spinneret and forming a bamboo fiber by dry-wet spinning; water washing; bleaching; oiling; and drying. The present method is simple to operate, free of industrial pollution, low energy consuming, and highly safe. The bamboo fiber produced by the present method not only keeps the natural physical and chemical properties of bamboo fiber, but also has a high wet modulus without harmful chemical residues.

Abstract: A process for the bleaching of wood pulp using one or more peroxide oxidising agents wherein the process includes treatment of the pulp with a mixture of chelating agents comprising: (a) a first chelating agent selected from the group consisting of: ethylenediamine N,N-disuccinic acid, methylglycinediacetic acid, glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, imino disuccinic acid and anions and mixtures thereof; and (b) a second chelating agent selected from the group consisting of: diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, diethylenetriamine penta methylene phosphonic acid and anions and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A procedure for obtaining nanofibrillated cellulose starting from a raw material including recycled or recovered paper, or recovered paper pulp or recovered cellulose comprises the stages of: immersing the raw material in an acetic acid dilution, in a concentration of 10% to 50% by volume, during a time inverse to the concentration of acetic acid; stirring the raw material immersed in the acetic acid dilution; and subsequently subjecting the cellulosic material to a mechanical process of longitudinal separation of fibers, by shear forces applied through a mixer or similar equipment capable of creating enough shearing on cellulose pulp. Thanks to the above procedure nanofibrillated cellulose from recycled paper is obtained with similar features to the nanofibrillated cellulose obtained from virgin cellulose.

Abstract: A process for converting a starting material to a purified pulp material, comprising removing lignin from a starting material to form a wet pulp comprising at least 5 wt. % water, extracting hemicellulose from the wet pulp with an extractant, and separating the extracted hemicellulose from the extraction mixture to form a cellulosic product comprising less hemicellulose than the wet pulp. The extractant comprises a cellulose solvent and a co-solvent. The cellulosic product advantageously retains its cellulosic fiber morphology. The process involves separating and recovering hemicellulose and separating and recycling various process streams employed in the process.

Abstract: A mild inexpensive process for treating lignocellulosic biomass involves oxidative delignification of wood using an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving a catalytic amount of manganese (III) acetate into water and adding hydrogen peroxide. Within 4 days and without agitation, the solution was used to convert poplar wood sections into a fine powder-like delignified, cellulose rich materials that included individual wood cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified refiner system for the acetylation of wood chip and/or wood fibre. The invention comprises a process for the acetylation of wood chip in a refiner system including a feed hopper component, a non-steam digester component and a refiner (defibrator) component in which the chip is contacted with an acetylating fluid between the hopper and the digester components within a connecting multi-zone compression feed screw.

Abstract: A method for producing mechanical paper pulp comprises: impregnating unprocessed wood, whereby unprocessed wood is exposed to an impregnating composition comprising at least a laccase enzyme and a formula mediator (I), wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different groups, chosen from among a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon chain, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, comprising 1 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein each hydrocarbon chain can be replaced by one or more functional groups chosen from among —OH, —SO3, benzyl, amino, mercapto, keto or carboxyl, wherein R1 and R2 in combination can form a cyclical structure, to achieve impregnation of the wood; and mechanically refining the impregnated wood, such that a mechanical paper pulp is obtained. The disclosure also relates to an impregnating composition used in this method and to the use thereof in a method for producing mechanical paper pulp, as well as to a method for producing paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a fluorescent whitening agent and a tertiary alkanolamine, a stable aqueous solution of such a composition and use of such composition for the bleaching of textile fibres or paper.

Abstract: Compositions for and methods of stabilizing bleaching and making paper or paperboard having suitable brightness are provided. A stabilizer composition is provided containing aminocarboxylate, hydroxy acid, and either polyamino acid or iminodisuccinate, or both. The stabilizer composition can have low levels or be free of magnesium, phosphates, and silicates. The present invention also relates to a method of stabilizing the bleaching of pulp at an alkaline pH.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: Process for the production of paper, board and cardboard having high dry strength by addition of an aqueous composition comprising a nanocellulose and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of the anionic polymers and water-soluble cationic polymers, draining of the paper stock and drying of the paper products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a lignocellulose biomass in order to dissolve the lignin therein, while the cellulose does not dissolve. The cellulose pulp obtained can be used to produce glucose. In addition the lignin can be isolated for subsequent use in the renewable chemical industry as a source for aromatic platform chemicals.

Abstract: A method for treating a cellulosic material comprising extracting the cellulosic material with an extractant to selectively extract hemicellulose therein and separating the extracted hemicellulose to form a cellulosic product comprising less hemicellulose than the cellulosic material. The extractant comprises an amine oxide and a non-solvent. The cellulosic product retains the cellulosic fiber morphology.

Abstract: A method for treating a cellulosic material comprises extracting the cellulosic material with an extractant to selectively extract hemicellulose therein and separating the extracted hemicellulose to form a cellulosic product comprising less hemicellulose than the cellulose-containing material. The extractant comprises an ionic liquid and a non-solvent comprising acetic acid. The cellulosic product retains the cellulosic fiber morphology.

Abstract: In the pretreatment, the biomass is contacted with a solution containing at least one ?-hydroxysulfonic acid thereby at least partially hydrolyzing the biomass to produce a pretreated stream containing a solution that contains at least a portion of hemicelluloses and a residual biomass that contains celluloses and lignin; separating at least a portion of the solution from the residual biomass providing an solution stream and a pretreated biomass stream; then contacting the pretreated biomass stream with a cooking liquor containing at least one alkali selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, ammonium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof and water. A process that allows for higher recovery of carbohydrates and thereby increased yields is provided. Alcohols useful as fuel compositions are also produced from biomass by pretreating the biomass prior to hydrolysis and fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the optimisation of conditions for treating pulp with a catalyst and hydrogen peroxide to produce a Freeness value (SR) in a web produced from the treated pulp such that the energy required in mechanical agitation of the pulp is reduced.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling deposit-forming contaminants that comprise pitch or other fiber components which can interfere with the processing of the fibers, reduce paper quality, or both in papermaking systems. The method includes contacting fibers with a lipase and at least one peroxide source-free oxidant, and optionally nonionic surfactant, to liberate the organic contaminants from the fibers. Paper products of the method are also provided.

Abstract: Impregnating or spraying softwood chips in a solution containing an appropriate concentration of alkaline earth metal ions selected from the group consisting of calcium ions, barium ions and strontium, preferably calcium ions, at room temperature before a reductive alkaline pulping process, for example kraft pulping, significantly increases pulp yield. Using an agent that complexes with the metal ions, such as hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP) allows this benefit of metal ions to be achieved during the pulping process rather than in a separate impregnation step.

Abstract: A method of extracting hemp fibers from decorticated hemp bast skin involves pre-treating the decorticated hemp bast skin with an aqueous solution containing di-sodium citrate, tri-sodium citrate or a mixture thereof having a pH of from about 6-13 at temperature of about 90° C. or less; and subsequently treating recovered fiber with a enzyme. Determining the extent of completion of a plant fiber degumming process involves treating degummed fiber with a recombinant pectinase expressed in an organism that produces neither cellulose nor xylanase, to release reducing sugar from any residua pectin on the degummed fiber, and, quantifying the released reducing sugar.

Abstract: Acetyl xylan esterases and variants thereof having perhydrolytic activity are provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. Multi-component peracid generation systems comprising an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolytic activity are also provided, as are methods of using the present enzyme catalyst to produce peroxycarboxylic acids. The polypeptide having perhydrolytic activity may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, paper pulp processing, and personal care applications.

Abstract: Acetyl xylan esterases and variants thereof having perhydrolytic activity are provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. Multi-component peracid generation systems comprising an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolytic activity are also provided, as are methods of using the present enzyme catalyst to produce peroxycarboxylic acids. The polypeptide having perhydrolytic activity may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, paper pulp processing, and personal care applications.

Abstract: Acetyl xylan esterases and variants thereof having perhydrolytic activity are provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. Multi-component peracid generation systems comprising an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolytic activity are also provided, as are methods of using the present enzyme catalyst to produce peroxycarboxylic acids. The polypeptide having perhydrolytic activity may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, paper pulp processing, and personal care applications.

Abstract: Acetyl xylan esterases and variants thereof having perhydrolytic activity are provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. Multi-component peracid generation systems comprising an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolytic activity are also provided, as are methods of using the present enzyme catalyst to produce peroxycarboxylic acids. The polypeptide having perhydrolytic activity may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, paper pulp processing, and personal care applications.

Abstract: A mild inexpensive process for treating lignocellulosic biomass involves oxidative delignification of wood using an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving a catalytic amount of manganese (III) acetate into water and adding hydrogen peroxide. Within 4 days and without agitation, the solution was used to convert poplar wood sections into a fine powder-like delignified, cellulose rich materials that included individual wood cells.

Abstract: A process of separating one or more components of corn fiber that comprises contacting the corn fiber with an extraction fluid that comprises at least one weak acid, increasing the temperature of the resulting mixture of fiber and fluid to solubilize hemicellulose of the corn fiber into the fluid, cooling the mixture, and separating the cooled extraction mixture into a soluble fraction comprising dissolved hemicellulose and an insoluble fraction comprising cellulose.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an organosolv biorefining process. The present process comprises treating a lignocellulosic biomass in the presence of a solvent and under certain conditions to separate at least a part of the lignin from the biomass.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a variant of the Thermotoga maritima C277T acetyl xylan esterase is provided having an improved specific activity when producing peroxycarboxylic acids in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.

Abstract: The invention describes solutions containing cellulose and a method of dissolving lignocellulosic materials. In the method, the lignocellulosic material is contacted with a conjugate acid, formed by a strong organic base and a weaker acid, under conditions which are conducive to at least a partial dissolution of the cellulosic components of the lignocellulosic material. It has been found that it is possible to recover at least a portion of the dissolved part of the lignocellulosic material by at least partial dissociation of the conjugate acid. Furthermore it is possible to recover at least a portion of the dissociated organic base and the acid, to form a conjugate acid of the recovered base and acid, and to recycle it for use in the first steps of the method.

Abstract: An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a variant of the Thermotoga maritima C277T acetyl xylan esterase is provided having an improved specific activity when producing peroxycarboxylic acids in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.