Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) act as a dispersing agent to directly exfoliate graphite in an aqueous solution using sonication. The resulting suspension has graphite flakes, each having 2-20 monolayers, a relatively large lateral dimension, and a plurality of CNF decorating its surfaces and edges. The dispersing effect of the CNF allows the graphite-CNF suspension to be stored without degradation until desired use. The graphite-CNF suspension can be used to form various composite structures, such as by spraying, coating, pouring, extruding, or printing the suspension, and then drying the suspension. The resulting composite structures have improved tensile strength and toughness due to hydrogen bond interactions between the CNF and graphite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nanocellulose comprising the steps of: a) providing a cellulose-containing material wherein the cellulose-containing material contains less than 20 wt. % water, b) contacting the cellulose-containing material with oxalic acid dihydrate, and heating above the melting point of the oxalic acid dihydrate, to obtain cellulose oxalates, c) washing the mixture, d) preparing a suspension comprising the washed material from step c) and e) recovering nanocellulose from the suspension. The present invention relates also to a method of manufacturing nanocellulose intermediate which comprises the above described steps a)-c). The methods disclosed in the present invention are quick, simple, and direct. Pulp can be used as raw material. A considerable amount of free carboxyl groups are introduced. A high yield can be obtained. The methods are inexpensive.

Abstract: Provided is an oxidized microfibrillated cellulose fiber having a Canada standard freeness of not less than 200 mL and an average fiber diameter of not less than 500 nm. Said fiber enhances paper strength when added to a paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crystalline and stable amorphous CaCO3 precipitated on lignocellulosic fibers.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improved packaging materials containing oxidized cellulose. More particularly, this disclosure relates to improved packaging materials containing oxidized cellulose exhibiting one or more of improved odor control and/or improved antimicrobial properties. This disclosure further relates to the use of oxidized cellulose in packaging materials as an anti-counterfeiting agent, and methods of testing for the same.

Abstract: The method disclosed relates to the production of paper yarn from cellulose-containing plant species, in the textile sector, and particularly relates to obtaining a paper yarn by a wet spinning method using high or low purity cellulose raw material isolated from the wild plant species of Calluna Vulgaris.

Abstract: A system and method for separating and collecting cannabis through separates cannabis into plant material, chaff, seeds, and kief; and then collects cannabis byproducts based on size, shape, and weight through separators, including, a screw conveyor, a mechanical vibrator, an ultrasonic mechanism, and a series of stacked classifiers. The method includes: loading unprocessed cannabis into an intake chamber; grinding the cannabis to reduce the size of plant material; carrying the cannabis upwardly through an inclined tube; delivering the cannabis to an elevated terminus at the upper end of the tube; passing the cannabis through stacked classifiers; shaking the cannabis to dislodge oil glands, resin trichomes, and kief from plant material; directing high frequency sound waves towards the cannabis to dislodge oil glands, resin trichomes, and kief from the plant material; and collecting herbaceous plant material, chaff, seeds, oil glands, and kief residue in separate containers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of increasing the brightness of non-wood fibers. The method comprises forming a mixture of non-wood fibers and exposing the mixture to a brightening agent, the brightening agent being a permanganate compound, an acid, or a combination of the permanganate compound and the acid. The resulting brightened fibers have a brightness greater than the fibers of the mixture before exposure as measured by MacBeth UV-C standard.

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: A process for producing cellulosic fiber with a high curl index is disclosed. The process can include mechanically treating and chemically crosslinking kraft pulp. The mechanical treatment of the pulp can include convolving and mechanically treating a pulp at in a plug screw and steam tube at temperatures above 100° C. and pressures above 3 bar. The mechanically treated pulp can be crosslinked with a crosslinking agent. The product fiber can exhibit a curl index of greater than 0.35, and can be at least 50% higher than the initial curl of the starting pulp material.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for synthesizing ionic liquids from lignin. Methods and compositions are also provided for treating lignin with ionic liquids.

Abstract: A method for catalytic oxidation of cellulose using a heterocyclic nitroxyl radical as catalyst and main oxidant acting as oxygen source comprises, before the catalytic oxidation of the cellulose, pretreatment of the cellulose—in an alkaline pretreatment step, where the cellulose is treated in alkaline solution having hydroxide concentration of above 0.3 M, and—in a washing step, where the cellulose treated in the alkaline solution is washed to lower the pH.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a continuous nanofiber is described. The method includes preparing a solution of one or more polymers and one or more solvents and electrospinning the solution by discharging the solution through one or more liquid jets into an electric field to yield one or more continuous nanofibers. The electrospinning process (i) highly orients one or more polymer chains in the one or more continuous nanofibers along a fiber axis of the one or more continuous nanofibers, and (ii) suppresses polymer crystallization in the one or more continuous nanofibers. The one or more continuous nanofibers can have diameters below about 250 nanometers and exhibit an increase in fiber strength and modulus while maintaining strain at failure, resulting in an increase in fiber toughness.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for synthesizing ionic liquids from lignin derived compounds comprising: contacting a starting material comprising lignin with a depolymerization agent to depolymerize the lignin and form a mixture of aldehyde containing compounds; contacting the mixture of aldehyde containing compounds with an amine under conditions suitable to convert the mixture of aldehyde containing compounds to a mixture of amine containing compounds; and contacting the mixture of amine containing compounds with an acid under conditions suitable to form an ammonium salt, thereby preparing the ionic liquid.

Abstract: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the growth of bacteria in an absorbent device by using kraft pulp fiber subjected to an acidic, catalyzed peroxide treatment process incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process.

Abstract: Novel pulps comprising conventional papermaking and macroalgae fibers are provided. By combining conventional papermaking fibers with never-dried macroalgae fibers, rather than dried macroalgae fibers, the disclosure provides pulp sheets having improved characteristics such as tensile and burst strength, with minimal deterioration in freeness.

Abstract: Provided is a polypropylene resin composition. The polypropylene resin composition includes: from about 20 to about 80 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin; from about 1 to about 35 parts by weight of an amine-based kenaf master batch; and from about 1 to about 25 parts by weight of a vinyl-based acetal compatibilizer. Also disclosed is the polypropylene resin composition which is used for vehicle interior and exterior materials, thereby improving physical properties such as low-temperature properties and tensile strength and providing superior resistance against damages.

Abstract: The composite material is comprised of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells bonding the discrete particles together. The composite material is made by inoculating a substrate of discrete particles and a nutrient material with a preselected fungus. The fungus digests the nutrient material over a period of time sufficient to grow hyphae and to allow the hyphae to form a network of interconnected mycelia cells through and around the discrete particles thereby bonding the discrete particles together to form a self-supporting composite material. In another embodiment, the fungus is allowed to grow as a fruiting body out of the substrate and within an enclosure to completely fill the enclosure to form a self-supporting structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing chemically modified fibril cellulose. The method includes introducing chemically modified fibril cellulose material to a thermal drying device including a belt in such a way that the fibril cellulose material forms at least one bar onto the belt, and dewatering the chemically modified fibril cellulose material on the belt using heated air flow having a temperature of at least 40 ° C. in order to concentrate and/or dry the chemically modified fibril cellulose material in such a way that the dry solids content of the fibril cellulose material after the thermal drying device is at least 10%. In addition, this invention relates to a thermal drying device, a system for processing chemically modified fibril cellulose, a method and a system for redispersing the fibril cellulose, and a fibril cellulose material.

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: Carboxylated, mercerized cellulose fiber having at least 12 meq/100 g of carboxyl substitution at the C-6 position of the anhydroglucose units, which includes at least 20% cellulose II, may be produced by catalytically carboxylating mercerized cellulose fiber in at least two catalytic carboxylation stages in a continuous series in which the pH is adjusted, and a primary oxoammonium salt catalyst (or precursor thereof) and secondary oxidant is added, at the beginning of each stage. Optionally, the carboxylated, mercerized cellulose may be made substantially free of aldehyde groups by means of a stabilizing step following the final carboxylation stage, in which aldehyde groups present in the fibers are converted to carboxyl groups.

Abstract: The invention comprises an absorbent composition and process for purification of gaseous mixtures. The composition comprises a mixture of a physical absorption solvent and an ionic liquid. It was found that the mixtures provided improved absorption of a gas component, such as carbon dioxide, when compared physical absorption solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing coated substrates by providing a substrate, providing at least one mineral material, providing a polysaccharide material comprising one or more polysaccharides, coating the substrate with the at least one mineral material, and coating the resulting pre-coat layer of mineral material with the gel comprising one or more polysaccharides, as well as the coated substrate obtained by this process and its use.

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers are produced by means of a method comprising a step (A) of oxidizing a cellulosic starting material in the presence of an N-oxyl compound and a step (B) of forming the oxidized cellulosic starting material into nanofibers by defibrating the oxidized cellulosic starting material, and a step (C) of performing at least one selected from the following steps: a step (C-1) of treating the cellulosic starting material in water having a hydroxide ion concentration of 0.75 to 3.75 mol/L prior to performing the step (A); and a step (C-2) of subjecting the oxidized cellulosic starting material obtained from the step (A) to hydrolysis in an alkaline solution having a pH between 8 and 14 after performing the step (A) and prior to performing the step (B).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for precipitating calcium carbonate, in which method calcium hydroxide is introduced to a fiber suspension containing cellulose-containing fibers, the calcium hydroxide is allowed to attach onto the surfaces of fibers for a pre-determined time, and the aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide and fibers is brought into contact with carbon dioxide for precipitating the calcium carbonate. The invention also relates to a corresponding system for precipitating calcium carbonate in connection with cellulose-containing fibers. In addition, the invention relates to a fibrous product, which comprises pulp material produced by said method and comprising calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A method for preparing aqueous furnish to be used in paper or paper board manufacturing. Filler and/or fibers are treated with cationic polyelectrolyte and nanofibrillated cellulose. The strength of the paper and the retention of the fillers in paper can be improved. A furnish prepared by a method, and a paper or a paper board manufactured from the furnish.

Abstract: Method for production of cellulose and hemicellulose fibers from lignocellulose biomass obtained from sugarcane leaves and buds by applying a process comprising the stages of: a) Diminishing the particle size of the lignocellulose biomass to a range between 3 and 15 mm, b) Subjecting the product obtained to treatment with one or more solvents and/or a mixture of specific catalysts, c) Carry out sudden decompression to an atmospheric pressure, d) Collecting the pretreated material in a cyclone, e) Optionally separating the liquid and solid fractions through washing and filterung f) Optionally, treating the solid fraction in a reactor with a mixture of ethanol and chlorine dioxide, d) Wash the product obtained to achieve cellulose efficiency above 50% and of lignin of 5 to 7%, fiber lengtht in a range to 1,5 to 2,7 mm, breaking length (km) of 7,0 -8,9, Burst index (kPam2/g) of 4,5-7,2 and Tear index (mNm2/g) of 8,2-8, The obtained high-resistance cellulose and hemicellulose is especially suitable for the paper

Abstract: A method for preparing aqueous furnish to be used in paper or paper board manufacturing. Filler and/or fibers are treated with cationic polyelectrolyte and nanofibrillated cellulose. The strength of the paper and the retention of the fillers in paper can be improved. A furnish prepared by a method, and a paper or a paper board manufactured from the furnish.

Abstract: A method for preparing aqueous furnish to be used in paper or paper board manufacturing. Filler and/or fibers are treated with cationic polyelectrolyte and nanofibrillated cellulose. The strength of the paper and the retention of the fillers in paper can be improved. A furnish prepared by a method, and a paper or a paper board manufactured from the furnish.

Abstract: A method for producing micro fibrillated cellulosic material from pulp in which a pulp feed material is pre-treated by passing through a high consistency refiner a single time, followed by dilution and multiple passes through low consistency refiners.

Abstract: The cellulose nanofiber production method of the present invention comprises an oxidation treatment step for oxidizing native cellulose in a neutral or acidic reaction solution containing an N-oxyl compound and an oxidizing agent that oxidizes aldehyde groups, and a dispersion step for dispersing the native cellulose in a medium following the oxidation treatment step. According to the production method of the present invention, a cellulose nanofiber is provided that has long fibers and demonstrates high strength.

Abstract: A method for preparing aqueous furnish to be used in paper or paper board manufacturing. Filler and/or fibers are treated with cationic polyelectrolyte and nanofibrillated cellulose. A furnish and a paper or a paper board.

Abstract: Described herein is nanocellulose produced by introducing a mixture of cellulose based fiber raw material and water through a refining gap, having a width smaller than 0.1 mm. In the refining gap, the fiber raw material is subjected to processing forces varying in the direction of introducing said mixture, by means of refining zones provided in the gap one after each other in the feeding direction, whereby the refining surfaces differ in surface patterning and/or surface roughness. The mixture of fiber raw material and water is guided past the refining surfaces in the feeding direction to different locations in the refining zone by by-pass channels provided in the stator. The width of the refining gap is maintained by the combined effect of the feeding pressure of the mixture of fiber raw material and water fed into the refining gap and the axial force of the rotor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of structural hybrid thermoplastic composites where organic and inorganic fibers are well dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix. The process comprises defibrillating the organic fibers with or without the presence of surface active agents using a mixer at a high shear and at a temperature lower than the decomposition temperature of organic fibers and melting point of the surface active agents to separate the hydrogen bonded fibers and generate microfibers, followed by blending and dispersion of the organic fibers in the thermoplastic matrix to produce a fiber composite, followed by further blending and dispersion of the fiber composite with inorganic fibers at a low shear to get the moldable hybrid composite, followed by extrusion, injection or compression-injection molding. Low shear mixing maintains the inorganic fiber length.

Abstract: Inorganic fiber paper including bio-soluble inorganic fibers which have been subjected to a heat treatment and a binder. A method for producing inorganic fiber paper including: the first step of subjecting amorphous bio-soluble inorganic fibers to a heat treatment; and the second step of making paper comprising the heat-treated bio-soluble inorganic fibers and a binder. Equipment for heating and/or thermal insulation which includes the inorganic fiber paper.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-absorbent high-porosity fibrous matrix from lignocellulosic raw materials, comprising wet mechanical processing of the raw material, drying, and then dry mechanical processing the fibers to provide a fibrous matrix is provided. The high-porosity fibrous matrix and absorbent articles prepared therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing micro fibrillated cellulosic material from pulp where multiple passes through a medium consistency refiner are made either singularly or in combination with low consistency refiners and high consistency refiners.

Abstract: A fire resistant fluff pulp web made from a fluff pulp web, a fire retardant component present in and/or on the fluff pulp, and a fire retardant distributing surfactant which distributes the fire retardant component in and/or on the fluff pulp web in a manner so that the fluff pulp web passes one or more fire resistance tests. Also, a process for preparing these fire resistant fluff pulp webs, as well as for treating outer fibrous layers comprising an air-laid mixture of these fire resistant fluff pulp fibers and bicomponent fibers with up to about 5% additional fire retardant and which are used in fire resistant air-laid fibrous structures useful in upholstery, cushions, mattress ticking, panel fabric, padding, bedding, insulation, materials for parts in devices and appliances, etc.

Abstract: A composite wood product containing acetylated wood elements characterized by an average value in thickness swelling not exceeding 5% after subjection to 25 wet-dry/freeze-thaw cycles as described in Table II. Alternative characterizations include moduli of elasticity and rupture, and bending strength. A two stage process for the acetylation of wood elements is also described.

Abstract: Carboxylated, mercerized cellulose fiber having at least 12 meq/100 g of carboxyl substitution at the C-6 position of the anhydroglucose units, which includes at least 20% cellulose II, may be produced by catalytically carboxylating mercerized cellulose fiber in at least two catalytic carboxylation stages in a continuous series in which the pH is adjusted, and a primary oxoammonium salt catalyst (or precursor thereof) and secondary oxidant is added, at the beginning of each stage. Optionally, the carboxylated, mercerized cellulose may be made substantially free of aldehyde groups by means of a stabilizing step following the final carboxylation stage, in which aldehyde groups present in the fibers are converted to carboxyl groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing stabilized and/or activated urease inhibitors, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A process using a multicomponent enzyme preparation to treat screened once refined pulps and reduces the specific energy consumption and/or increasing production while maintaining or increasing handsheet physical properties. The enzyme preparation has a major endoglucanase activity, a significant mannanase activity and a relatively small cellobiohydrolase activity. This enzyme mixture is prepared from a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reseii.

Abstract: A process for treating cellulosic fibers comprises mechanically pre-treating the fibers followed by treating the fibers with an enzyme and thereafter mixing the fibers with a solution comprising an alkali metal hydroxide followed by mechanically treating the fibers to form microfibrillated cellulose. In this way it is possible to produce microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) in an improved and energy efficient way.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cellulose fiber assembly and a cellulose fiber composite, each having low coloration. The present invention is directed to a method for preparing a fibrillated cellulose fiber assembly, in which the cellulose fiber raw materials are subjected to a fibrillation treatment and a reduction treatment. The present invention provides a method for preparing a cellulose fiber assembly, comprising a fibrillation step of fibrillating cellulose fiber raw materials to obtain fibrillated cellulose fibers, an assembly preparation step of obtaining a cellulose fiber assembly using the fibrillated cellulose fibers, and a step of carrying out a reduction treatment. Further, the present invention provides a cellulose fiber composite comprising the prepared cellulose fiber assembly and a matrix material.

Abstract: Method for production of cellulose and hemicellulose fibers from lignocellulose biomass obtained from sugarcane leaves and buds by applying a process comprising the stages of: a) Diminishing the particle size of the lignocellulose biomass to a range between 3 and 15 mm, b) Subjecting the product obtained to treatment with one or more solvents and/or a mixture of specific catalysts, c) Carry out sudden decompression to an atmospheric pressure, d) Collecting the pretreated material in a cyclone, e) Optionally separating the liquid and solid fractions through washing and filterung f) Optionally, treating the solid fraction in a reactor with a mixture of ethanol and chlorine dioxide, d) Wash the product obtained to achieve cellulose efficiency above 50% and of lignin of 5 to 7%, fiber lengtht in a range to 1.5 to 2.7 mm, breaking length (km) of 7.0 -8.9, Burst index (kPam2/g) of 4.5-7.2 and Tear index (mNm2/g) of 8.

Abstract: Although a microfibrillated cellulose has been conventionally added to a resin molded article for the purpose of improving the properties of resin such as strength, it is only possible to achieve the same level of strength as that of the resin itself. The object is to provide a resin molded article of greater strength. A molded article can be produced by blending resin with a microfibrillated cellulose having a type-II crystalline structure produced by treating a microfibrillated cellulose with an alkali solution. The molded article can be largely increased in tensile strength or flexural strength, tensile strain at break or flexural strain at break, and fracture toughness (work-of-fracture) compared to a molded article produced with resin containing a conventional microfibrillated cellulose.

Abstract: A method for producing micro fibrillated cellulosic material from pulp where multiple passes through a medium consistency refiner are made either singularly or in combination with low consistency refiners and high consistency refiners.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for exploiting coated paper products such as coated paper cups. End products include biofuels that have a high energy density. The biofuels may be mixed with coal or other fuels and have good binding characteristics. In some embodiments, useful chemicals such as HMF are produced. The methods involve heat treatment at relatively mild temperatures and pressures under acidic conditions.

Abstract: A fire resistant fluff pulp web made from a fluff pulp web, a fire retardant component present in and/or on the fluff pulp, and a fire retardant distributing surfactant which distributes the fire retardant component in and/or on the fluff pulp web in a manner so that the fluff pulp web passes one or more fire resistance tests. Also, a process for preparing these fire resistant fluff pulp webs, as well as for treating outer fibrous layers comprising an air-laid mixture of these fire resistant fluff pulp fibers and bicomponent fibers with up to about 5% additional fire retardant and which are used in fire resistant air-laid fibrous structures useful in upholstery, cushions, mattress ticking, panel fabric, padding, bedding, insulation, materials for parts in devices and appliances, etc.