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: Methods of making paper or paperboard are described. In one method, at least one cellulytic enzyme composition and at least one cationic polymer composition are introduced to a paper making pulp at about the same time to form a treated pulp. The pulp may also be treated with at least one cationic starch. The resulting pulp is formed into a sheet of pulp. Other paper making processes are also described. A paper making apparatus is also described for carrying out the methods. Paper and paperboard made according to the methods are also described.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to pulp fibers suitable for forming a wet-laid paper product which include amino-functionality which is non-extractable in an aqueous phase. The pulp fibers may be prepared by applying an amino-functional additive to a fibrous web prior to the finishing operation at a pulp mill. The fibrous web may then be repulped at a papermaking machine to form a paper web which includes the amino-functionalized fibers of the present invention. A paper web formed of the amino-functionalized fibers may display unique and/or improved reactivity toward certain papermaking additives.

Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.

Abstract: Method of separation that uses at least one organic chemical reaction to alter the molecular structure of a substance or substances (102) so that a mechanical method of separation can be used to cause the separation of one or more substances from one or a group of substances (104). The organic chemical reaction alters the molecular structure by adding at least one atom to the molecular structure or by subtracting at least one atom from the molecular structure. The mechanical method of separation uses the differing physical characteristics of substances to physically change the place or position of substances to remove or isolate the substances from a combination or a mixture absent any chemical reaction. The organic chemical reaction and the mechanical method of separation are used in combination to cause the separation of substances that otherwise could not be separated by the mechanical method of separation alone.

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 process for producing high bulk cellulosic fiber exhibiting a durable elevated curl index includes: (a) concurrently heat treating and convolving cellulosic fiber pulp at elevated temperature and pressure at high consistency under conditions selected so as to preclude substantial fibrillation and attendant paper strength and fiber bonding development; and (b) recovering the pulp wherein the length weighted curl index of the treated fiber is at least about 20% higher than the length weighted curl index of the fiber prior to the heat treatment and convolving thereof. The curl imparted to the fiber persists upon treatment for 30 minutes in a laboratory disintegrator at 3000 rpm at 1% consistency at a temperature of 125° F. Moreover, the curl may be imparted to the fiber in a disk refiner at very short residence times, on the order of several seconds or less. In general, the process is carried out in the presence of saturated steam at a pressure of from about 5 to about 150 psig.

Abstract: Whitened fluff pulp and methods for making whitened fluff pulp. The whitened pulp is a fluff pulp that has been treated with one or more of a white pigment, a colorant, or a fluorescent whitening agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulosic fibrous material comprising a radiation activatable resin, structures comprising such fibrous material, and absorbent articles especially disposable absorbent articles, comprising such fibrous materials or structures. It further relates to a process to make such fibrous material, structures or articles.

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: A process for making lyocell fibers including the steps of pulping raw material in a digester to provide an alkaline pulp, wherein the raw material includes sawdust in an amount greater than 0% up to 100%; contacting the alkaline pulp including cellulose and at least about 7% hemicellulose under alkaline conditions with an amount of an oxidant sufficient to reduce the average degree of polymerization of the cellulose to the range of from about 200 to about 1100 without substantially reducing the hemicellulose content or substantially increasing the copper number of the pulp; and forming fibers from the pulp.

Abstract: A cationic cellulosic fibre containing between 1 and 30 cationic groups and between 0.1 and 20 aldehyde groups per 100 anhydroglucose units is a suitable basis for producing paper and tissue products without the necessity of using non-biodegradable cationic polymers as wet strength additives. The cationic cellulosic fibre can be obtained by oxidation of the fibre to introduce aldehyde groups, followed by reaction of part of the aldehyde groups with a nitrogen-containing reagent such as betaine hydrazide hydrochloride. The fibre is advantageously combined with an anionic polymer such as monoaldehyde carboxyl-starch or with anionic cyclodextrin.

Abstract: A method of modifying a two-dimensional, flat fiber morphology of a never-been-dried wood pulp into a three-dimensional twisted fiber morphology without the aid of a chemical cross-linker. The method includes the steps of treating a never-been-dried wood pulp fiber slurry with a drying aid and thermally drying the wood pulp fiber slurry. The method may alternatively, or additionally, include the steps of spray drying a wood pulp fiber slurry and/or a slurry of a hydrophilic material, and flash drying the spray dried wood pulp fiber slurry and/or slurry of hydrophilic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulose-containing fibrous material, wherein hydroxy groups were oxidized at the C(6) of glucose units of the cellulose into aldehyde and/or carboxy groups, a paper or nonwoven (product) made therefrom, in particular tissue (products) and a process for their manufacture. The paper or nonwoven (products) of the invention display excellent strength properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing modified fluff pulp comprising treating cellulose pulp with a nitroxide-mediated oxidation method and fluffing the treated cellulose pulp. The invention further relates to the modified fluff pulp prepared therefrom and absorbent articles comprising the modified fluff pulp.

Abstract: Paper sheets useful for tissues, paper towels, napkins, disposable absorbent products and the like can be made to exhibit a high degree of wet resiliency. This property is achieved by using a combination of high yield pulp fibers (such as bleached chemithermomechanical pulp fibers) and a wet strength agent in an uncreped throughdrying process. The resulting product, when wetted, can spring back after being crumpled in one's hand.

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: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp is treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cross-linked cellulosic fiber in the sheet from, obtainable by cross-linking a blend of mercerized pulp and conventional pulp. The method includes heating treated cellulosic fibers to promote intra-fiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by an improved acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbency, and absorbency under load. Moreover, the inventive cross-linked fibers exhibit a reduction in centrifuge retention capacity, and have low knots, nits and fines contents. The cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the invention are useful in the acquisition layer and/or absorbent core of absorbent articles.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: Curly cellulose fibers having a high wet resiliency and a method of making high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers with a chemically-assisted curling method. Polymeric reactive compounds are used to provide intrafiber crosslinking in curly fibers, thereby chemically setting the curl in the fibers, resulting in fibers that are stiff enough to not collapse upon wetting. These high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers maintain a capillary structure during fluid acquisition and distribution, thus increasing absorbency.

Abstract: In a method and device for loading the fibers that are contained in a fiber stock suspension with calcium carbonate by way of a chemical precipitation reaction, calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide are added to the fiber stock suspension. In order to trigger the precipitation reaction at least partially liquid carbon dioxide is injected into the reactor thereby ensuring the transformation of the starting substance calcium dioxide or calcium hydroxide into the reaction products calcium carbonate and water. The carbon dioxide can be added in an exclusively liquid state or partially in a liquid state and partially in a gaseous state.

Abstract: A method and a device for loading of fibers that are contained in a fibrous suspension, with a filler by way of a chemical precipitation reaction. A fibrous suspension is supplied to a pump disperger where it is treated by shear forces in order to break down larger fiber agglomerates into smaller ones, and/or into individual fibers. At the same time the pump disperger serves as a reactor for the chemical precipitation reaction.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of fiber stock for the production of paper or cardboard, including the steps of:

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers comprising pulp fibers, and a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers have a polysiloxane content of about 0.4 percent or greater by weight of dry pulp fibers, a silicone retention factor of about 0.6 or greater, and an initial water drop absorption value of about 180 seconds or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulosic fibrous material comprising a radiation activatable resin, structures comprising such fibrous material, and absorbent articles especially disposable absorbent articles, comprising such fibrous materials or structures. It further relates to a process to make such fibrous material, structures or articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment, in particular for the roughening, of the surface of hydrated cellulose shaped articles, in which at least one cellulase is allowed to act on the surface and is then inactivated permanently. The tubular films modified in this way are particularly suitable as foodstuff casings, specifically as sausage casings.

Abstract: A hammermill process for singulated, cellulosic fibers from a wet pulp sheet comprising a cylindrical housing, a feed slot with a breaker bar positioned therein and a rotor mounted for rotation in the housing. Feed rolls are provided to feed a sheet of pulp into the feed slot upstream of the breaker bar. A plurality of hammers are mounted on the rotor. Air is introduced into the hammermill housing tangentially downstream from the second feed slot. An air outlet is positioned tangentially on the housing downstream from the air inlet to allow air and singulated fibers to escape. Fibers produced by the hammermill from a wetted pulp sheet have a low knot content.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to pulp fibers suitable for forming a wet-laid paper product which include amino-functionality which is non-extractable in an aqueous phase. The pulp fibers may be prepared by applying an amino-functional additive to a fibrous web prior to the finishing operation at a pulp mill. The fibrous web may then be repulped at a papermaking machine to form a paper web which includes the amino-functionalized fibers of the present invention. A paper web formed of the amino-functionalized fibers may display unique and/or improved reactivity toward certain papermaking additives.

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: The present invention relates to a filler-fiber composite, a process for its production, the use of such in the manufacture of paper or paperboard products and to paper produced therefrom. More particularly the invention relates to a filler-fiber composite in which the morphology and particle size of the mineral filler are established prior to the development of the bond to the fiber. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a PCC filler-fiber composite, wherein the desired optical and physical properties of the paper produced therefrom are realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler-fiber composite, a process for its production, the use of such in the manufacture of paper or paperboard products and to paper produced therefrom. More particularly the invention relates to a filler-fiber composite in which the morphology and particle size of the mineral filler are established prior to the development of the bond to the fiber. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a PCC filler-fiber composite, wherein the desired optical and physical properties of the paper produced therefrom are realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler-fiber composite, a process for its production, the use of such in the manufacture of paper or paperboard products and to paper produced therefrom. More particularly the invention relates to a filler-fiber composite in which the morphology and particle size of the mineral filler are established prior to the development of the bond to the fiber. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a PCC filler-fiber composite, wherein the desired optical and physical properties of the paper produced therefrom are realized.

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: 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: A method for softening a paper-based product, such as facial tissues, bath tissues, paper towels, etc., is provided. In particular, the method of the present invention includes exposing a cellulosic fibrous material to ionizing radiation (e.g., electron beam radiation). It is believed that the ionizing radiation induces vibrational forces throughout the cellulosic fibrous structure, thereby disrupting hydrogen bonds between adjacent fibers and opening the crystalline structure of the material to result in a softer product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber having improved absorbency characteristics when compared to conventional cross-linked fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fiber is obtainable by reacting pulp in the sheet or fluff form with one or more reagents selected from organic molecule having acid and aldehyde functional groups “acid aldehydes.” The invention also relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote intrafiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross-linked fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.

Abstract: Discrete particles of cellulosic material are flowable and meterable. They are easily dispersible in an aqueous or a dry medium. The particles comprise singulated cellulose fibers that have been densified. The particles have a density of at least 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: Multi-ply paper towels are disclosed which have a combination of high absorbent capacity and a high rate of absorbency. These properties are the result of a combination of the intra-ply fiber structure and a network of inter-ply wet-collapse resistant channels that distribute and retain absorbed liquid.

Abstract: A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose comprised of the steps of contacting a paper grade pulp with an alkali hydrolysis agent, washing the hydrolyzed pulp and contacting the hydrolyzed pulp with an acid hydrolysis agent and washing the acid hydrolyzed product.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of mercerized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95% is treated with a solution containing a carboxylic acid cross-linking agent. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products produced are economic and possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, absorption characteristics, low fines, low nits and low knots. The invention also includes blended cellulose compositions comprising a minor proportion of cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers and a major proportion of other cellulosic fibers. The invention further provides individualized, chemically cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers of high purity.

Abstract: Methods for forming an absorbent fibrous composite containing absorbent material dispersed in bands through the composite and along the composite's length are disclosed. The methods generally include depositing a fibrous slurry on a foraminous support to form a web and depositing or injecting absorbent material into the web across its width to provide a web having absorbent material in bands along the composite's length. Drying the web provides a fluted absorbent composite. In one embodiment, the method is a wetlaid method and in another embodiment, the method is a foam-forming method. Preferably, the methods are twin-wire forming methods.

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: The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for treating pulp with filler. The method and apparatus according to the invention ae especially well suitable for treating pulp with filler, the mixing of which to the pulp requires simultaneous treatment of the pulp with gas. The treatment of cellulose pulp suspension of the paper making industry and calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide is presented as one preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for affixing a mineral filler onto an aqueous cellulose-fiber suspension. In this invention, the method uses as its reaction medium an aqueous cellulose-fiber suspension which is derived from papermaking and which includes at least hydrogen carbonates, carbonates or silicates of alkali and/or earth alkali metals, and the invention adds to the reaction medium a hydroxide of the filler mineral in order to precipitate the mineral filler's carbonates or silicates onto the fibers. In particular, the invention applies to papermaking.

Abstract: Pulp fibers can be treated with water insoluble chemical additives resulting in a minimal amount of unretained water insoluble chemical additives present after exposing the treated pulp fibers to process water, liquids, or solutions used in products. 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: 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: Paper comprising aldehyde modified cellulose pulp having selected aldehyde content. Another embodiment involves a method of preparing celullose aldehydes using selective oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and a nitroxyl radical mediator and defined reaction conditions to provide oxidized cellulose material with effective aldehyde content making it particularly suitable for use in making paper with desirable wet strength, temporary wet strength and dry strength properties, including compressive strength and resistance.

Abstract: A process for bleaching high bulk cellulosic fiber and producing a durable elevated curl index includes: (a) concurrently bleaching, heat treating and convolving cellulosic fiber pulp at elevated temperature and pressure at high consistency generally under conditions selected so as to preclude substantial fibrillation and attendant paper strength and fiber bonding development; and (b) recovering the pulp wherein the length weighted curl index of the treated fiber is at least about 20% higher than the length weighted curl index of the fiber prior to the heat treatment and convolving thereof. Preferably, the curl imparted to the fiber persists upon treatment for 30 minutes in a laboratory disintegrator at 3000 rpm at 1% consistency at a temperature of 125° F. Moreover, the curl may be imparted to the fiber in a disk refiner at very short residence times, on the order of several seconds or less.