Abstract: Disclosed are non-wood pulps having a fiber length greater than about 1.70 mm and a brightness of about 80% or greater. The relatively high degree of brightness is achieved without a loss fiber length or pulp yield. The high degree of brightness and relatively long fiber length makes the pulps well suited for the manufacture of wet-laid fibrous products, particularly wet-laid tissue products. The pulps may be prepared from plants of the family Asparagaceae by mechanical pulping and more preferably by a chemi-mechanical pulping using a sodium hydroxide alkaline peroxide solution where the primary pulp is cleaned to reduce debris prior to bleaching. Preferably the cleaned primary pulp has less than about 5% debris prior to bleaching.

Abstract: A preparation method of tea residue fiber raw materials includes steps of (1) sun-drying tea residues, crushing the sun dried tea residues, and treating them with concentrated hydrochloric acid and a strong base in succession; (2) extracting water from the treated tea residues to obtain tea polyphenols and pulp respectively, cooking the pulp, and then pressing and dehydrating it to obtain coarse pulp; (3) sequentially grinding and sieving the pulp, and beating it; and (4) adding ?-cyclodextrin, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, and reinforced starch after the beating, adjusting the pH to 7-8, diluting, adding the tea polyphenols obtained in the second step, stirring uniformly, pressing and dehydrating, and drying to obtain the tea residue fiber raw material.

Abstract: Compostable seaweed-based compositions, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the seaweed-based composition comprises (i) a phycocolloid including agar, alginate, carrageenan, and/or unprocessed seaweed, (ii) a polymer comprising thermoplastic starch (TPS), polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyesteramide (PEA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and/or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and (iii) an additive, wherein the phycocolloid comprises no more than 90 wt % of the seaweed-based composition, the biopolymer comprises no more than 80 wt % of the seaweed-based composition, and the additive comprises no more than 50 wt % of the seaweed-based composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production of a solid molded article comprising non-wood plant material, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing one or more fresh non-wood plant materials having a moisture content from 20% w/w to 99 w/w; (b) heating the fresh non-wood plant material at a temperature from 40° C. to 250° C., in particular, at a temperature from 60° C. to 140° C., and a pressure from 40 KPa to 750 KPa, in particular, for at least 0.5 h, maintaining the moisture content of the material equal to or higher than 20% w/w; (c) molding the heated material obtained in step (b); and (d) drying the molded material obtained in step (c). The invention also provides solid molded articles obtainable by the method of the invention.

Abstract: An inversion mount includes an upper mounting base, a lower mounting base, and an oblique drop arm connected from the upper mounting base to the lower mounting base. The upper mounting base is configured to normally mount to a downward-facing inversion mounting surface from below. The lower mounting base includes a non-rotary main body and a rotary latch assembly. The main body includes a forward receiver configured to axially receive a mounting insert from below as a rotary item. The latch assembly includes a side latch. The side latch extends alongside the main body, and is supported for radial pivotation between an open position, in which the side latch carries the inside hook below but not underneath the forward receiver, and a latched position, in which the side latch carries the inside hook underneath the forward receiver for hooked engagement with a side pocket behind the mounting insert.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic composition is provided that includes a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moisture content of less than or equal to 15% by weight and having a particle d99 of up to 200 microns. The dried algae biomass is at least 5% by weight of the thermoplastic composition. The composition includes a biodegradable resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min.

Abstract: Soft, durable and bulky tissue products comprising non-wood fibers and more particularly high yield hesperaloe pulp fibers are disclosed. The tissue products preferably comprise at least about 5 percent, by weight of the product, high yield hesperaloe pulp fiber and have relatively modest tensile strengths, such as a geometric mean tensile (GMT) greater than about 1,000 g/3?, and improved durability and cross-machine direction (CD) properties, such as a CD Stretch greater than about 10 percent. Additionally, at the foregoing tensile strengths the products are not overly stiff. For example the tissue products may have a Stiffness Index less than about 10.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of cellulose from coffee or cocoa husks. The cellulose extracted can be used to produce paper, card stock, and cardboard. In addition, a composite material also comprising a material that allows the release of aromas is manufactured using said cellulose. Said material is used to manufacture a laminated product for use in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging applications. Said type of article allows printing on the outer surface thereof, is biodegradable and biocompatible.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is a method for separating cellulosic fibres, hemicellulose and lignin from parts of plants containing these, such as stems, leaves and seed coats or hulls of cereal, oilseed, fibre or grassy plants. After appropriate pre-treatments the material is heated in an alkaline solution at lower temperatures than used in the traditional cellulose manufacturing. After this heat treatment, the fibrous and other undissolved materials are separated from the solution and subsequently ground in wet condition, using preferably chafing treatments. For improving the separation, surface active substances can be included in the alkaline heat treatment solution.

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 process for producing from a lignocellulosic raw material of (i) an intermediate product that is intended for the production of ethanol, containing polysaccharides, cellulose and hemicelluloses, and (ii) a product containing lignin in an aqueous solution without sulfur residue, this lignin could be precipitated. The process includes a step of pulping the raw material in an extruder at a temperature of between 60° C. and 180° C. and in the presence of a quantity of water that represents between 200% and 450% of the mass of said raw material and in the presence of a strong base at a concentration of between 0.5% and 4% relative to the volume of water.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a feedstock for producing paper fiber from fruit of a plant may include providing a by-product source inclusive of fiber from the edible fruit after a process for removing a majority of the edible fruit is used to produce a food. One or more treatment processes to brighten the fruit by-product may be performed. The feedstock may be produced from the brightened fruit by-product.

Abstract: An article including a first fiber derived from a first natural source and a second fiber derived from a fruit. A method of manufacturing an article may include combining a first and second fiber to form a fiber mixture, where the first and second fibers are obtained from discrete materials, and where at least one of the fibers is derived from an edible fruit of a plant. The article may be formed from the fiber mixture.

Abstract: Fiber furnish for use in the manufacture of paper and paper-based products, the fiber furnish consisting essentially of plant petiole tissue, wherein substantially longitudinally aligned petiole fibers have been cut generally laterally to form fibers with a fiber length distribution such that at least 95% of the fibers have substantially the same predetermined fiber length.

Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise macroalgae fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable tissue webs comprising at least about 1 percent macroalgae fiber by weight of the web. In the tissue webs of the present disclosure, macroalgae fibers may preferably replace high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the strength and durability of the web without negatively stiffness.

Abstract: This invention relates to annual crop straw and stalk fibers having properties suitable for use in paper, paperboard, and related products disposable paper plates, cups, and bowls, molded and thermoformed pulp products, disposable food handling containers, tissue and toweling, and absorbent products such as airlaid roll goods, wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene articles. Annual crop straw or stalk is the waste product from the harvesting of the food including soy, wheat, corn, rice, and oats. The food chain is not impacted by use of these stalks and straw. Currently, most of the straw or stalk is burned, tilled under for soil amendment, or otherwise disposed of. Use of this stalk or straw for paper, paperboard and related products, and absorbent products manufacture including any product made from cellulose fibers represents an opportunity to provide additional income to farmers and a green alternative to wood pulp and therefore conserve trees.

Abstract: A molded article comprising sugar beet pulp is provided. In addition a method of making the such molded articles is described. Such articles are particularly useful in the packaging of food; and for medical applications where molded articles are needed.

Abstract: A method for individualizing a trichome from an epidermis of a non-seed portion of a trichome-bearing plant in Labiatae family and Geraniaceae family to form a fibrous structure is provided. The method comprises contacting the plant with a device to separate the trichome from the epidermis and incorporating the separated trichome into a fibrous structure.

Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise macroalgae fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable tissue webs comprising at least about 1 percent macroalgae fiber by weight of the web. In the tissue webs of the present disclosure, macroalgae fibers may preferably replace high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the strength and durability of the web without negatively stiffness.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.

Abstract: Provided is an unbleached paper product made from grass type pulp, the unbleached paper product has a brightness of 35-60% ISO, the grass type pulp is unbleached. The unbleached paper product includes an unbleached toilet paper, an unbleached hand towel, an unbleached wiping paper, an unbleached duplicating paper, an unbleached meal container, an unbleached food wrapping paper and an unbleached printing paper. The paper products have a high intensity and have no detection of dioxin and absorbable organic halides in the harmful substance detection test.

Abstract: Dry products, and particularly dry tissue substrates, including a blend of conventional papermaking fibers and microalgae are disclosed herein. Use of a cationic retention aid in the dry tissue substrates helps to provide a tissue sheet retaining the microalgae without being detrimental to tissue properties such as caliper, bulk, air permeability, slough and absorbent capacity. Additionally, use of a flocculating agent may agglomerate the microalgae and make it easier to retain the microalgae within the tissue sheet.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a pulp mixture, the process comprising the steps of: a) providing a wood material and a first liquor, b) treating the wood material in the first liquor in order to release wood fibers, c1) introducing an agricultural crop/residue before or during the treatment of the wood material, and during the treatment deriving a first fraction comprising hemicellulose from the agricultural crop/residue, and/or c2) introducing a suspension of a first fraction comprising hemicellulose and a residue liquor derived from agricultural crop/residue by a liquor treatment, the introduction being done before, during or after the treatment of the wood material. The invention further relates to a pulp mixture comprising 1-30% originating from agricultural crop/residue and 70-99% originating from wood material. The pulp mixture comprises non-wood hemicellulose and at least part of the non-wood hemicellulose is sorbed on the wood fibers.

Abstract: A method of degumming jute fibers with complex enzyme, wherein said complex enzyme comprises pectinase and laccase, comprises the steps of: a. soaking the jute fibers in the water solution of said complex enzyme made from pectinase and laccase and adjusting the weight proportion of said complex enzyme water solution and said jute fibers; b. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a first temperature, then keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the first temperature for a certain period of time; c. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a second temperature; then, keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the second temperature for another period of time; d. conducting enzyme deactivation of the jute fibers processed with said complex enzyme.

Abstract: Fibre furnish for use in the manufacture of paper and paper-based products, the fibre furnish consisting essentially of plant petiole tissue, wherein substantially longitudinally aligned petiole fibres have been cut generally laterally to form fibres with a fibre length distribution such that at least 95% of the fibres have substantially the same predetermined fibre length.

Abstract: A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop.” The outgoing and return legs of each loop optionally are located adjacent each other.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing lignin content in plants by expression of a cinnamoyl CoA reductase 2 (CCR2) coding sequence in the plant. Also provided are methods for reducing lignin content in a plant by down-regulation of CCR2 expression in the plant. Nucleic acid molecules for modulation of CCR2 expression and transgenic plants the same are also provided. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing biofuels by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop”.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition which comprises at least one polymer and at least one ionic liquid, the cations of which are derived from polycyclic amidine bases, and a process for isolating cellulose from cellulose-containing sources using at least one such ionic liquid.

Abstract: Soft and strong fibrous structures and more particularly soft and strong fibrous structures that contains less softwood fibers than known fibrous structures and methods for making such soft and strong fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a production process of tobacco sheet by papermaking. The technical arrangement of this invention are: (a). to immerge and to extract tobacco stem and leaf scrap respectively by water-soluble solvents to respectively obtain solid tobacco stem and solid leaf scrap, and tobacco stem extract and leaf scrap extract via solid/liquid separation; (b). to defibrilate solid tobacco stem and solid leaf scrap respectively, to mix the obtained tobacco stem fiber and leaf scrap fiber and combined with dust to prepare fiber base; (c). to wholly or partly abnegate the tobacco stem extract obtained by Step (a), and to evaporated and to concentrate other extracts that then are sprayed or immerged to coat the formed fiber base that is then dried, threshed and shaped. The tobacco sheet production process offered by this invention has improved the tobacco sheet's filling capacity and its sensory quality.

Abstract: A method to chemically treat light weight, bulky cellulosic material including: introducing the material to an upper inlet of a substantially vertical treatment vessel; maintaining the material in the vessel at a pressure of at least 20 bar and at a temperature of at least 200° C.; treating the material with a cooking liquor in the vessel; moving the material past at least one anti-compression ring on an inside surface of the vessel, as the material moves downward through the vessel; agitating the material in the vessel, and discharging the treated material from a lower discharge port of the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are silver skin-containing paper and the production method thereof. Aqueous pulp slurry containing paper pulp fibers and ground silver skin is prepared, wherein the ground silver skin is provided by wet grinding of silver skin in the presence of water. The aqueous pulp slurry is then formed into a sheet. The silver skin-containing paper contains the ground silver skin at a ratio of 5 to 60% by mass of the paper.

Abstract: In this patent, fibers have been successfully extracted from various natural occurring materials using a series of chemical, biological and mechanical methods. Moreover, these fibers can be conjugated onto certain polymer chains via coupling agent and chemical modification. Consequently, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the polymers can be dramatically elevated with the incorporation of these fibers. The intended polymers include conventional plastics (epoxy resins, polyesters and polyolefins etc.), rubbers (natural rubbers and thermoplastic rubbers etc.) and biodegradable polymers. Apart from the enhancement of mechanical properties and thermal stability, the incorporation of natural fibers can reduce the production cost of the materials and meet the demand of environmental protection.

Abstract: A method for extracting such natural cellulosic fiber bundles from natural cellulose sources selected from the group consisting of cornhusk, cornstalk, switchgrass leaves, switchgrass stems, rice straw, sorghum leaves, sorghum stems, soybean straw, wheat straw, cotton stems, barley straw, and combinations thereof, the method comprising performing an alkali treatment to partially delignify the cellulose source material and an enzyme treatment to depolymerize hemicellulose, break covalent links between lignin and carbohydrates, and decompose cellulose chains in the natural cellulosic source material, or a combination thereof thereby yielding extracted natural cellulosic fiber bundles having a length that is greater than that of individual cells and a fineness of at least about 1 denier and no greater than about 300 denier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paper product having 0.1 to 10 percent of an acid treated seed based fiber material incorporated into the paper making composition. The remainder of the paper product can be pulp fibers, for example wood fibers. The seed based fiber material is present on the surface of the pulp fibers and imparts certain properties to the paper product formed from it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing pulp and paper using Rhodophyta, including immersing Rhodophyta in an extraction solvent able to dissolve agar gel for a predetermined time period to dissolve the agar gel in the extraction solvent, reacting the dissolved agar gel with a reaction solvent to be converted into a fiber, curing the fiber using a curing agent, and pulping the cured fiber. The method of the current invention is advantageous because of lower manufacturing costs, due to eliminating the need to purchase wood. Further, the use of chemicals for lignin removal and bleaching drastically decreases, thus preventing environmental contamination. Furthermore, since a final product does not contain harmful chemicals, humans and the environment are not negatively affected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing sheets from the pseudostems of banana plants in the family Musaceae, each pseudostem having a longitudinal axis. The method includes the steps of feeding a pseudostem (14) into a workstation, supporting (62, 34) the pseudostem for rotation thereof about its longitudinal axis within the workstation, and contacting the rotating pseudostem along substantially its entire length with a fibre-separating device (38), whereby a continuous sheet of fibre (60) is removed from the pseudostem by the fibre-separating device during rotation. Raw paper may also be made by laminating two or more of these sheets together such that the direction of the generally parallel fibres in at least two adjacent sheets is not aligned and then curing the sheets to form raw paper.

Abstract: A liquid fiber mulching mat of a non-woody fiber and the production method thereof are disclosed. The production method of a liquid fiber mulching mat for a non-woody fiber includes steps of providing a biopulp of a non-woody fiber plant, a polymer and water, mixing the biopulp, the polymer and water well for preparing a fiber pulp of the non-woody fiber plant, and applying the fiber pulp of the non-woody fiber plant on a surface of an article for forming the liquid fiber mulching mat. Besides, a solid fiber mulching mat of a non-woody fiber is disclosed. The fiber mulching mat can be used in farms for protecting the weeds and used in mountainside land for preventing soil collapse. Also the fiber mulching mat can be used in arid area for decreasing water evaporation and preventing desertification and dust storm.

Abstract: A process for removing silica from nonwood plant materials involving both chemical and mechanical action is described. The silica-rich epidermal cells are liberated mechanically by a pre-pulping and low-consistency refining step and subsequently removed from the pulp via the filtrate of a thickening step. Amorphous silica is liberated chemically by using an alkaline dilution source in the pulper, then removed from the pulp via the filtrate of a thickening step and a dewatering step. The silica is then removed from the filtrate by adjusting the pH, followed by a separation step. The desilicated fibrous material may then be chemically or mechanically pulped and bleached using known processes. The silica removed from the nonwood plant material may then be used as a feedstock for other applications.

Abstract: A catalyzer for clean pulping includes sodium salicylate, anion silicate softener, cooking aids, liquid(gaseous) chlorine and water. A process for using the catalyzer for clean pulping includes the following steps: 1, cutting and impurities removing for the raw material, 2, feed preparation and impurities removing, 3, dividing into fibers by refining, 4, catalysis copolymerization, 5, refining, 6, concentration and separation, 7, pulp bleaching, 8, pulp washing and 9, finished pulp. The present invention realizes the clean production; it does not need to digest and does not produce black liquor; the process is simple and is performed at normal temperature; the resource of crops is fully used; the effect of water conservation is remarkable; it is very easy to control each stage separately and/or simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing pulp from a fibre-based raw material using, as the cooking reagent, a solvent mixture which is based on organic acids and also contains furfural. The method is applicable to herbaceous plants, in particular.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material. The method comprises soaking raw material from primarily parenchymal cell wall structures in an aqueous solution which need not contain an agent to modify the fiber (e.g., a mild alkalizing or alkaline agent and/or solution) using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume. The mass is dried to produce the HRC fiber. The HRC fiber displays a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC and retains moisture under conditions that are ordinarily used to remove moisture from materials. The highly refined fiber product can also provide excellent thickening properties and can be used in a wide variety of materials, including edible materials.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material. The method comprises soaking raw material in a mild NaOH using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume and has a pH within a range of 8 to 9. The present invention also comprises a HRC gel having a lignin concentration of at least about one (1)% by weight, and a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating bleaching liquors from pulping processes based on organic acids. The process is characterized in that inorganic acid, such as nitric acid, phosphoric acid and/or sulphuric acid, is added into a bleaching liquor obtained from the bleaching or a stage closely associated with bleaching, whereby organic acids contained in the bleaching liquor are released into the bleaching liquor. The organic acids are then separated from the bleaching liquor and recycled to the cooking stage to be used as cooking chemicals. The nitrogen-, phosphor- and/or sulphur-containing product thereby produced, from which organic acids have been separated, is recovered to be used as a fertilizer or as raw material for a fertilizer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.

Abstract: A new method for making pulp out of agricultural residue includes harvesting certain portion of plant stalk. The harvested plant stalk is bailed, transported and stored. At the mill, the plant stalk is chopped and goes through pulping process. The pulp is used to make varieties of papers with or without blending other wood based pulp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of lignocellulosic substrates having a high digestibility. This process consists in bringing said lignocellulosic substrates, which have been ground beforehand and optionally moistened in the case of dry substrates, in a stirred reactor, into contact with ozone produced from a carrier gas, the ozone being present in the carrier gas in a concentration of between 80 and 200 g/m3 NTP, with a residence time of between 8 and 40 min in said reactor.