Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for loading a chemical compound within the fibers of a fibrous material and to the fibrous materials produced by the method. In the method, a fibrous cellulose material is provided which consists of a plurality of elongated fibers having a fiber wall surrounding a hollow interior. The fibrous material has a moisture content such that the level of water ranges from 40-95% of the weight of the fibrous material and the water is positioned substantially within the hollow interior of the fibers and within the fiber walls of the fibers. A chemical is added to the fibrous material in a manner such that the chemical is disposed in the water present in the fibrous material. The fibrous material is then contacted with a gas which is reactive with the chemical to form a water insoluble chemical compound. The method provides a fibrous material having a chemical compound loaded within the hollow interiors and within the fiber walls of the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: Electrically conductive polymeric materials, having microwave susceptive characteristics, are produced by suspending a fibrous based material and a monomer precursor of a conductive polymer in an aqueous solution. Addition of a chemical oxidant induces polymerization of the monomer resulting in coating of the fibrous based material. The invention provides a susceptor material useful for cooking food items in a microwave oven, and enhances the browning and/or crispening of the items. Conductive polymer coated fibrous based materials can be formed into a paper product by conventional papermaking techniques or molded into an integral structures having microwave interactive properties.

Abstract: The stiffness of multi-ply paper and board products is increased by dewatering the base ply on the papermaking machine to a consistency of at least about 8% prior to application of the next ply. The desired laminating consistency is more readily achieved through the use of pulp which has been subjected to a heat treatment process comprising heating the pulp at a temperature in the range of 170.degree. C. to 250.degree. in the presence of water for at least about 0.1 minutes, which reduces the water retention valve of the pulp. The heat treated pulp also produces a stiffer multi-ply product in its own right, which augments the stiffness advantage connected with attainment of higher laminating consistencies.

Abstract: A process for improving freeness of paper pulp which comprises these steps:a) Adding to the pulp at least 0.05% based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a cellulolytic enzyme;b) Allowing the pulp to contact the cellulolytic enzyme for at least 20 minutes at a temperature of at least 20.degree. C.;c) Adding at least 0.0007% based on the dry weight of the pulp of a water soluble cationic polymer, and thend) Forming the thus treated pulp into paper.

Abstract: A hydrophilic fibers modified with a substantially water-insoluble inorganic compound is produced by immersing hydrophilic fibers, for example, pulp fibers, in an aqueous solution of a water-soluble inorganic compound (a) selected from aluminates, silicates and zincates of alkali metals with a precipitant (b) containing an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, adjusting the amount of the aqueous solution impregnated in the hydrophilic fibers to 60 to 400% based on the weight of the hydrophilic fibers, and bringing the hydrophilic fibers with the aqueous solution of the inorganic compound (a) into contact with the precipitant (b), to thereby cause the resultant substantially water-insoluble compound to be precipitated in and fixed to the hydrophilic fibers.

Abstract: A process for reducing the energy requirements for drying a cellulosic pulp slurry by contacting a pulp slurry with sodium sulfate before web formation, dewatering and drying.

Abstract: A process for making cellulose acetate from wood pulp takes wet wood pulp and instead of converting it into dry pulp sheet which is the usual feedstock for acetate, dries and mechanically separates the pulp into a cellulose flock using a pin mill through which a hot drying gas is passed. Deactivation of the cellulose is avoided by control of the drying gas exit temperature to 80.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. and of the moisture content of the cellulose flock to 4 to 15% by weight. The flock produced may be acetylated directly without any need for reactivation treatments additional to the normal activation with acetic acid.

Abstract: The machinability of a papermaking composition of recycled fibers is improved by treating the fibrous composition with an enzyme preparation which acts on all or part of the cellulose fiber components, causing an improvement in the drainability of the water through the fibrous layer.

Abstract: There is also disclosed a process for the production of filled paper using never-dried pulp fibers and filler comprising an insoluble precipitate that is precipitated in situ within the cell wall of the fibers. The process first immerses the never-dried pulp fibers in a first solution containing a soluble salt or salts, filters the pulp fibers from the first solution, and reimmerses the never-dried pulp fibers containing the first solution in the pores into a second solution, wherein the second solution comprises soluble salt or salts different from those of the first solution and able to form an insoluble precipitate with the salt or salts of the first solution. The filled, never-dried pulp fibers are filtered and washed and either used to form filled paper products or dried to filled pulp fibers for later use in papermaking.

Abstract: A process for strengthening the cellulose in materials which have been treated with an alkaline organometallic compound selected from a metal alkyl, metal alkoxide or alkyl metal alkoxide to deacidify the cellulose and which cellulosic material is wet with treatment solvent, by treating the undried cellulosic material with a polar monomer and then drying the cellulose material and polymerizing the monomer by subjecting the treated cellulose to vacuum and heat.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a compacted, redispersible, aramid pulp fiber product wherein aramid pulp is opened using the forces of a turbulent air grinding mill and then the opened pulp is compacted to the extent desired for shipping.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture thereof is provided for reducing brightness reversion in bleached lignin-containing pulps or newsprint by the treatment of the bleached lignin-containing pulp or newsprint with a compound which donates a hydrogen atom to a photo-excited group or free radical more easily than does the lignin contained in the treated pulp. The hydrogen donating compounds include compounds with certain formyl functionality, including formate salts such as sodium, magnesium and calcium formate, formamides, formic acid esters, and formylurea. In one embodiment, calcium carbonate is added to enhance the activity of the formyl compound. The further addition of a trace amount of superoxide anion quencher such as copper sulfate or ascorbic acid is also provided to still further enhance the activity of the formyl compound, especially formate salts.

Abstract: A complex of fibrous material and fungi is prepared by allowing fungi to grow in a medium containing a fibrous material.

Abstract: A method for cutting fibrous materials using ultrasonic energy involves chemically modifying a fibrous material prior to the application of ultrasonic energy. Preferred fibrous materials include cellulose materials and its derivatives, such as, paper. Chemical modification includes oxidation or hydrolysis. Also disclosed is a test device made according to the method. The invention allows for the fusing of plastic and the simultaneous cutting of a chemically modified fibrous material along the line of fusion.

Abstract: Fluff pulp with improved defibration properties is produced by exposing the pulp to an enzyme treatment at any stage during the pulp production process. The enzyme treatment may be carried out using an enzyme preparation containing cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic activity. The enzyme treated fluff pulp is useful in the manufacture of disposable hygiene products and air-laid products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber comprising, chemically bonded together, (a) a conventional cellulosic fiber, such as a Kraft fiber or a chemithermomechanical pulp fiber; (b) poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleate) copolymer, such as the acid form of a 1:1 (molar) poly(methyl) vinyl ether-co-maleate) copolymer, preferably having number average molecular weight of about 67,000-80,000; and (c) a polyol, such as polyethylene glycol; also disclosed are methods for making such fibers, especially evaporatively depositing an intimate mixture of the copolymer and polyol on the discrete fiber followed by thermally crosslinking at specific temperatures for limited periods; absorbent paper which can be made by wet-laying the fiber, especially in admixture with conventional fiber; and derivative paper structures, such as multi-ply disposable absorbent towels.

Abstract: Cellulosic sheet material is processed in preparation for esterification for example acetylation to produce cellulose acetate, by treating the sheet material with water and then feeding the wetted material into a machine that simultaneously shreds and dries the material. The conditions in the machine are carefully controlled (outlet temperature not in excess of 110.degree. C. and moisture content 4-15% by weight) to ensure that the cellulosic material does not become deactivated towards esterification. The method enables low alpha content cellulosic material supplied in the form of high density sheet to be acetylated to produce high quality cellulose acetate flake.

Abstract: An imitation leather product and a process for the preparation of the imitation leather product from natural hemp which comprises the steps of (a) firstly digesting natural hemp fiber with weak alkali solution, (b) secondly digesting with ammonia gas, (c) presoak treating either with methylol urea and ammonium phosphate, or sodium chromate and sulfuric acid, and immediately adding ammonia thereto, respectively, (d) beating with SBR resin and cyclohexylcarboxyl diphenylamino thiazolyl sulfonamide, (e) jetting through a multiple stage fiber jetting device, and soaking in a soaking bath container containing methylphenol and SBR resin.

Abstract: To remove disturbing wax particles and for increasing the specific volume the short fiber fraction is subjected to a thermal treatment, especially by application of water vapor or steam, in a heater, such as a worm heater throughout a defined residence time and a defined temperature. With relatively low energy expenditure the distrubing wax particles are eliminated in such a manner that no wax spots or speckles can be discerned in the finished product. The specific volume of the short fiber fraction is appreciably increased while obtaining a predetermined strength.

Abstract: Mechanical treatment of a pulp slurry of up to 50% O.D. consistency by dewatering and compacting the pulp permanently twists and kinks individual fibers to a degree that is substantially irreversible when they are subsequently subjected to papermaking process steps. The preferred device for imparting such permanent twisting and kinking is a plug screw feeder. Pulp that has been so treated exhibits increased desired drainability in the wet section of a papermachine. Such treated pulp also loses water vapor more easily in the dryer section than untreated pulp, and correspondingly results in less energy consumption in the dryer section of a papermachine. Pulp treated in accordance with the invention also exhibits increased absorbency. Tissue or other soft paper products produced from softwood pulp treated in accordance with the invention exhibit significantly increased softness over such untreated softwood pulp.

Abstract: A novel squid chitin formed material is disclosed. Squid chitin is prepared by pulverizing squid crust and treating the pulverized chitin with caustic soda and then with hydrochloric acid to remove proteins and ashes. Squid chitin formed material such as sheet or fiber is then prepared by a freeze-defrost treatment. The squid chitin sheet and fiber have better physical properties than conventional crab chitin formed materials in terms of strength and folding endurance.

Abstract: This material which has a hemi-cellulose content of less than 2%, a benzopyrene content of less than 2 .mu.g/kg and a calorific value which is about 20% greater than that of the starting material is obtained by isothermal treatment between 220.degree. C. and 280.degree. C. for a period of thirty minutes using crossed flows of treated material and of oxygen-free hot gases in an oven including stirring means (6,9) and a gas generator (1) with the gas being circulated by a fan (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an equipment for preparing NaCMC, in which (a) cellulose is slushed in the reaction medium until a consistency of c. 5-15%, preferably 5-10%, (b) the fibre suspension obtained in step (a) is thickened to a consistency of c. 20-35% and (c) the pulp containing reaction medium obtained in the second step is homogenized by means of a screw conveyor having a screw pitch which decreases from an inlet opening thereof towards an outlet opening thereof, in order to increase the reactivity, whereby a mercerization activating the cellulose is carried out after step (b) and/or (c), and the cellulose thus pretreated is etherified in a manner known per se.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified cellulosic fibers comprising the reaction product of linear, water-wettable polysaccharides with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide and methods of making same. The materials are useful in the preparation of products characterized by their increased bulk and absorbency.

Abstract: Individualized, crosslinked fiber, and process for making such fibers. The individualized, crosslinked fibers have between about 0.5 mole % and about 3.5 mole % crosslinking agent, calculated on a cellulose anhydroglucose molar basis, reacted with fibers in the form of intrafiber crosslink bonds, wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehyde acid analogues having at least one aldehyde functionality, and oligomers of such C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, and dialdehyde acid analogues. Preferably, the crosslinking agent is glutaraldehyde, and between about 0.75 mole % and about 2.5 mole % crosslinking agent react to form the intrafiber crosslink bonds. The individualized crosslinked fibers are useful in a variety of absorbent structure applications.

Abstract: A method for treating synthetic pulp particles, which includes treating a slurry of synthetic pulp particles having a Schopper-Riegler freeness of more than 30.degree.SR by a concentration provided with a rotary filter bed to lower the freeness not more than 30.degree.SR, water-washing the synthetic pulp particles in the state where the freeness is not more than 30.degree.SR, and dispersing the synthetic pulp particles in water to restore the freeness to more than 30.degree.SR.

Abstract: Tissue products, such as facial and bath tissue, are provided with improved softwood and opacity by making the products from a furnish containing fibers of a lower coarseness created by splitting the fibers in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: Anfractuous cellulose fibers exhibiting exceptional high bulking properties are produced by treatment of dry hammermilled wood cellulose fibers with anhydrous liquid ammonia at substantially atmospheric pressure. Fibrous webs of enhanced bulk are produced by preparing an aqueous furnish comprising at least ten percent by weight ammonia treated anfractuous fibers in admixture with conventional papermaking fibers.

Abstract: This material which has a hemi-cellulose content of less tha 2%, a benzopyrene content of less than 2 ug/kg and a calorific value which is about 20% greater than that of the starting material is obtained by isothermal treatment between 220.degree. C. and 280.degree. C. for a period of thirty minutes using crossed flows of treated material and of oxygen-free hot gases in an oven including stirring means (6,9) and a gas generator (1) with the gas being circulated by a fan (3).

Abstract: A method of mechanically converting unbranched fibers into highly branched or "fibrillated" fibers which are especially suitable for reinforcing composite materials such as brake linings. Unbranched starting fibers, immersed in water, are subjected to prolonged working in an intensive mixer or chopper having a very rapidly spinning blade with sharp knife edges, until extensive fiber branching occurs. Fibrillation can be achieved by this method even though conventional fiber "refining" techniques have no significant effect on the same starting material.

Abstract: Sulfite pulp having increased tear, Scott bond, and stretch properties and above about 90% dirt reduction without bleaching. Methods for making such sulfite pulp by increasing the consistency of conventional sulfite pulp to above about 12 percent, shearing the increased consistency pulp under compressive forces to improve the tear and stretch properties of the pulp, refining the sheared pulp at pressures above atmospheric to remove dirt particles and achieve a desired freeness level, and removing fiber knots from the refined pulp.

Abstract: An oxonated poly (alkylene oxide) substantially devoid of hydrocarbon chains of 5 or more carbon atoms is used to treat substances bearing negative electrostatic charges, so as to reduce such charges without rendering the substance hyrophobic. In this manner static electricity can be reduced in textiles, paper or plastic film; glass or glass fibers can be lubricated; wood pulp can be debonded; anti-self sizing or water-dispersible paper can be made; clays, pigments and other minerals can be hydrophilized; bitumen can be recovered from oil or tar sands; and petroleum can be recovered from underground wells by secondary or tertiary recovery techniques.

Abstract: A process for making mechanically expanded fiber from fibrous material having a fibrillar ultrastructure. The expanded fiber is made by impacting the fibrous material with a plurality of fine media. Impacting by the fine media causes the fibers to expand from a fibrous form to a highly fibrillated form, wherein fibrils separate from, or become substantially disassociated from, the fibrous material ultrastructure. Cellulosic fibrous material is particularly applicable to the process. Cellulosic fibrous material is preferably impacted with fine media at least until the cellulose-containing phase of an aqueous slurry containing 0.5%, by weight, of cellulosic material will retain at least fifty percent of the initial volume of such cellulose-containing phase upon unagitated settling for a period of sixty minutes.

Abstract: Novel imidazolinium compounds, and a method of using the compounds for softening and conditioning fibers, hair and skin and as surfactants, and debonders for cellulose pulp having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an n-alkyl, branched alkyl, alkenyl, branched alkenyl alkadienyl or branched alkadienyl group containing 8 to 21 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is a radical selected from the group consisting of (a) --OH, (b) amide radicals each of which has the structure ##STR2## (c) a substituted imidazolinium group which has the structure: ##STR3## R.sub.3 is a radical which has the structure ##STR4## or --OR.sub.5 ; R.sub.4 is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 1 to 17 carbon atoms; R.sub.5 is R.sub.1 or mono or dialkyl phenyl; A is an integer of from 0 to 20 and B is an integer of from 0 to 20 and A+B>0; x is either chlorine or bromine are provided.

Abstract: Absorbent, retentive pulp is described which is capable of retaining good absorbency even after having been highly compressed. The pump is produced by subjecting a microfibrillated pulp slurry to pore generation by means of freezing and solvent exchange and to cross-linking with a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: High strength and high density wood fiberboard is formed by treating the wood fiber source material with a highly alkaline solution, such as sodium hydroxide solution, before interfelting the fibers into a loose mat. The wood source material may be treated after refining the material into fibers, but preferably, the wood source material is treated before fibrillation. Further, wood fiber source material may be partially neutralized before felting without substantial change in the resulting densities and strengths.

Abstract: The invention is a fibrous, cationic cellulose pulp product and the method for preparing it. A water suspension of cellulosic fiber is treated under alkaline conditions with a condensate of epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine. Up to 30 molar percent of the DMA may be replaced by a crosslinking agent such as ammonia or a lower aliphatic diamine. The process may be carried out at room or elevated temperatures. It is practical to add the condensate at one of the later alkaline stages of a bleaching process; e.g., an alkaline extraction or peroxide stage. This is most preferably done later than any chlorination or hypochlorite stages. The product shows greatly improved retention of acid and other anionic dyes. It also shows superior retention of some pigments and latices without the need for other cationic aids. In some cases a small amount of alum appears to have a synergistic retention effect with the cationic pulp product when used with titanium dioxide and certain anionic latices.

Abstract: A method of producing a water treatment medium comprises the steps of dispersing staple fibers in a dispersive medium liquid, and causing the fibers to flow and vibrate in the liquid so that the fibers are mutually intertwined or entangled to form spherical or spheroidal or discal fiber lumps.This method is adapted for quantity production, and the resulting fiber lumps are of high quality and provide an improved filtration efficiency and effect in comparison with conventional filter media.

Abstract: A method of making agglomerated cellulosic particles, particularly useful as a cat litter, comprises agglomerating a moist blend of fibers, aggregates of fibers, and/or fiber-sized pieces of a fibrous cellulosic material in a substantially horizontal rotating drum to form agglomerated particles; compacting surfaces of the particles; and drying the particles.

Abstract: The problem of resin precure encountered in fiberboard, especially medium-density fiberboard, produced by blow-line blending is overcome by adding an alkaline material to the wood fibers prior to blow-line blending in order to raise the pH of the wood preferably into the range of 4 to 7, and optimally around 5.5. Only the fiber used to form the surface layers of the mat which is hot pressed to form the fiberboard need have the alkaline material added thereto; alternatively, especially in the core layer of the mat, the action of the alkaline material may be reversed by adding an acid catalyst. The fiberboards formed have a glossy, hard surface which reduces the need for sanding.

Abstract: The invention is a fibrous, cationic cellulose pulp product and the method for preparing it. A water suspension of cellulosic fiber is treated under alkaline conditions with a condensate of epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine. Up to 30 molar percent of the DMA may be replaced by a crosslinking agent such as ammonia or a lower aliphatic diamine. The process may be carried out at room or elevated temperatures. It is practical to add the condensate at one of the later alkaline stages of a bleaching process; e.g., an alkaline extraction or peroxide stage. This is most preferably done later than any chlorination or hypochlorite stages. The product shows greatly improved retention of acid and other anionic dyes. It also shows superior retention of some pigments and latices without the need for other cationic aids. In some cases a small amount of alum appears to have a synergistic retention effect with the cationic pulp product when used with titanium dioxide and certain anionic latices.

Abstract: Fibrous webs of improved bulk and softness are produced by subjecting hydrophilic papermaking fibers to mechanical deformation, e.g. hammermilling, sufficient to deform the fibers without substantial fiber breakage, dispersing the resulting curled or kinked fibers, preferably in admixture with conventional papermaking fibers, in an aqueous foam with minimal agitation and holding time and forming a wet laid web from the resulting fiber furnish.

Abstract: Microfibrillated celluloses having properties distinguishable from all previously known celluloses, are produced by passing a liquid suspension of cellulose through a small diameter orifice in which the suspension is subjected to a pressure drop of at least 3000 psig and a high velocity shearing action followed by a high velocity decelerating impact, and repeating the passage of said suspension through the orifice until the cellulose suspension becomes a substantially stable suspension. The process converts the cellulose into microfibrillated cellulose without substantial chemical change of the cellulose starting material.

Abstract: Redispersible microfibrillated cellulose is prepared by the addition to a liquid dispersion of the microfibrillated cellulose, an additive compound capable of substantially inhibiting hydrogen bonding between the cellulose fibrils. The microfibrillated cellulose, upon drying, is characterized by having a viscosity when redispersed in water of at least 50% of the viscosity of an equivalent concentration of the original dispersion.

Abstract: A process of preparing microfibrillated cellulose comprising adding to never-dried cellulosic pulp an additive compound capable of substantially inhibiting hydrogen bonding of the fibrils in the cellulose and then drying the pulp and additive. Microfibrillation of a suspension of the cellulosic pulp is carried out at considerably increased efficiency if the additive compound is present prior to drying the pulp. The resulting MFC product can be dried and redispersed without substantial loss of viscosity.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of 0.2 to 2.0 weight percent aramid fibrids and aramid floc in a weight ratio of 0.25 to 20, respectively, is refined in a disc refiner having grooved facing plates with surface dams, the distance between the facing plates being 0.20 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers, characterized by a lack of swellability and incapable of natural fiber-to-fiber bonding, are produced by a process which comprises treating an aqueous slurry of the fibers with a formaldehyde-free polymeric compound, heating the treated fibers to cause the polymeric compound to react with the fibers, and refiberizing to separate individual, treated fibers. The fibers are useful in the preparation of improved cellulosic webs characterized primarily by their increased bulk and improved softness.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating pulp fibres, that have already been curled which method comprises: subjecting the pulp to a heat treatment while the pulp is at a high consistency, thereby to render the curl permanent to subsequent mechanical action. This permanent curl has advantages for papermachine runnability and for increasing the toughness of the finished product.

Abstract: Method for the production of kraft paper for increasing its functional quality, particularly its tensile energy absorption, whereby the pulp being prepared in a conventional manner is processed by additional separate curlation directly before web formation for increasing the elastic stretch and a paper bag made of that kraft paper wherein the elastic stretch exceeds 1.8%.

Abstract: Microfibrillated celluloses having properties distinguishable from all previously known celluloses, are produced by passing a liquid suspension of cellulose through a small diameter orifice in which the suspension is subjected to a pressure drop of at least 3000 psig and a high velocity shearing action followed by a high velocity decelerating impact, and repeating the passage of said suspension through the orifice until the cellulose suspension becomes a substantially stable suspension. The process converts the cellulose into microfibrillated cellulose without substantial chemical change of the cellulose starting material.