Abstract: A process for producing a highly carbonaceous fibre or set of fibres including combining a structured precursor comprising a hydrocellulose fibre or a set of fibres, and an unstructured precursor, including lignin or a lignin derivative in the form of a solution having a viscosity less than 15,000 mPa·s?1 at the temperature at which the combination step takes place, in order to obtain a hydrocellulose fibre or set of fibres coated with the lignin or lignin derivative, wherein the process further includes a step of thermal and dimensional stabilization of the hydrocellulose fibre or set of fibres covered with the lignin in order to obtain a hydrocellulose fibre or set of fibres covered with a deposit of lignin or lignin derivative, and a carbonization step of the hydrocellulose fibre or set of fibres coated with a lignin deposit in order to obtain a highly carbonaceous fibre or set of fibres.

Abstract: This invention relates to a regenerated cellulose film, a functional film and preparation method thereof. The method mainly comprises the following steps: (1) shaping a cellulose/ionic liquid solution by die extrusion, calendering and casting; (2) the shaped solution entering into a coagulation bath to form a cellulose gel film; (3) in coagulation and washing processes, stretching the cellulose gel film at least 1 time in the transverse direction and at least 1 time in the longitudinal direction; (4) in drying process, further applying tension to the stretched film in the transverse and longitudinal directions, and finally obtaining a regenerated cellulose film by rolling. An organic and/or an inorganic functional additive can be added into the cellulose/ionic liquid solution to obtain a regenerated cellulose functional film.

Abstract: Uses of compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS in the presence of NH4OH. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles, and lubricants of tissues and medical instruments.

Abstract: A polysaccharide fibre useful in biomedical applications such as wound management is made as a bicomponent fibre with alginate and psyllium polymers. An antimicrobial silver salt may be incorporated. The fibre may be made by extruding an aqueous mixture of alkaline-solubilised psyllium and sodium alginate into a calcium chloride bath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming fibers. First and second precursors, each possessing a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity, are mixed. The mixed precursors are then extruded under heat to cross-link during fiber production.

Abstract: A method for making mixed polymer composite fibers in which a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch are blended in water to provide an aqueous gel; the aqueous gel treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; the crosslinked gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide fibers; and the fibers treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked mixed polymer composite fibers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dechlorinating chitosan fiber is provided. The method includes preparing a spinning solution and performing wet spinning with the spinning solution. The spinning solution is prepared by dispersing calcium sulfite and chitosan or derivates thereof in a solvent, wherein when the solvent is 100 parts by weight, the chitosan or derivates thereof is about 3-5 parts by weight and the calcium sulfite is about 3-5 parts by weight.

Abstract: A process for making a flexible structure that includes at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property that differs in value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing shaped bodies, especially threads or foils, from at least one polymer of the groups consisting of polysaccharide, polysaccharide derivative or polyvinyl alcohol by forming a solution of the polymer that contains an additive in a solvent containing amine-N-oxide, extruding the solution and precipitating the extrudate by contacting with a coagulant. The invention is characterized in that at least two polymeric solutions are formed. At least one of the two polymeric solutions contains one or more finely distributed additives and the at least two polymeric solutions are simultaneously extruded forming a combined extrudate.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a method for producing water-insoluble polysaccharides. A method for making the water-insoluble bio-compatible gel includes activating the hydroxyl-containing polysaccharides with the activating agent to form activated polysaccharides, and cross-linking the activated polysaccharides, under moderate conditions producing different shapes of the water-insoluble bio-compatible gel. The water-insoluble bio-compatible gels, films, porosities, powders, sheets, fibers and spheres of this invention may be applied to various medical and cosmetic uses.

Abstract: The invention described here concerns a process to permit the manufacture of a cellulose fibre from hydrate cellulose with an extremely large surface area which may be used for the preparation of a fabric characterized by a high absorptive power, good liquid-retention properties, high grease-solvent properties as well as particle-absorbing properties, which is suitable for making products that are themselves easy to clean, which can be used for cleaning and decontamination as well as to reduce the surface tension of water and which can be disposed of without damage to the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing proteinaceous shaped articles from globular proteins according to the NMMO method, and to proteinaceous shaped articles themselves that are made from globular proteins according to the NMMO method. According to the invention, a suspension consisting of aqueous NMMO and of these precrosslinked proteins is transferred into a spinning solution, whereby the suspension contains a polysaccharide and/or a polysaccharide is added to the extrusion solution. The spinning solution is extruded into a precipitation bath through a form tool and through an air gap. Afterwards, the shaped article is washed with an aqueous liquid without the use of solvents and is subsequently hardened using known crosslinking reactions. The produced solutions are processed for a diverse product-oriented processing, preferably on the basis of known wet and dry/wet spinning techniques, optionally in conjunction with multi-constituent spinning techniques.

Abstract: A flexible structure comprises a plurality of starch filaments. The structure comprises at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property selected from the group consisting of density, basis weight, elevation, opacity, crepe frequency, and any combination thereof. The common intensive property of the first region differs in value from the common intensive property of the second region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition intended to be admixed to a moldable solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide, which composition consists of solid particles, a mixture of a tertiary amine oxide and water, in which the solid particles are dispersed, and at least a further substance, with the proviso that the solid particles and said at least further substance are different from cellulose and that the content of water is such that no cellulose will precipitate when admixing the composition to the moldable cellulose solution. The composition according to the invention is storage stable to a high degree and suitable for introducing additives into the moldable cellulose solution.

Abstract: A simple method of preparing a homogeneous cellulose solution is disclosed, which comprises the steps of (a) preparing fibrillar cellulose powder; (b) injecting a molten liquid tertiary amine oxide solvent into a twin screw extruder; (c) feeding the cellulose powder of step (a) into a section of the twin screw extruder where the molten liquid tertiary amine oxide solvent fed in step (b) produces a well swollen paste with the cellulose powder fed in step (c); (d) dissolving the well swollen cellulose paste in the following melting sections in the twin screw extruder; and (e) stabilizing the solution obtained in step (d) in a storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention offers a safe and economic method for manufacturing chitosan fiber wherein an aqueous solution of sodium thiocyanate is used. In the present invention, chitosan having a degree of deacetylation of not less than 60% is dissolved in an aqueous solution of not less than 44% by weight of sodium thiocyanate and the resulting spinning solution is subjected to a wet spinning to manufacture a chitosan fiber.

Abstract: A process and device produce fibrous starch materials through extrusion of a dispersion or aqueous solution of starch material in a flow of saline coagulant. The dispersion or aqueous solution is extruded through a microporous tubular wall in an annular chamber surrounding the microporous wall to obtain an extrusion flux of starch material which surrounds the tubular wall. Coagulation of the starch material is carried out by feeding a flow of coagulation agent in the annular chamber parallel to the extrusion surface. The fibers obtained from the process or device are able to be used in the paper sector as a substitution for or in combination with cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A biodegradable or digestible matrix is provided suitable for use as a controlled release of an agriculturally active agent such as insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, plant growth regulants, etc. The matrix comprises an amylaceous material optionally in association with a synthetic polymer and is formed under elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a food product encased in a water insoluble film of glucomannan and a method for its manufacture. In the process an aqueous solution of glucomannan is cast onto the food product surface and then is deacetylated and coagulated in sire by contact with a saturated salt solution having either an acidic or basic pH. The coagulated solution is cured and dried in the presence of salt and subsequently washed and further dried to provide the water insoluble film.

Abstract: In a method for forming a cellulose tube suitable for use as a food casing or as cellophane film, in which a solution of nonderivatized cellulose, tertiary amine N-oxide and water is extruded through an air gap of at least five inches, and into a water bath, such that a wet cellulose tube is formed. The wet tube is inflated from about 55% to 140% or more and dried thereby substantially retaining its work-to-rupture characteristics, especially when compared to viscose-derived tubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making medical devices, especially stents, catheters, cannulas, plugs and constrictors, by treatment of ionically crosslinkable polymer compositions with crosslinking ions.

Abstract: This invention provides new gels in the form of highly hydrated self-supporting film, comprising one or more alkaline alginates, an alkaline earth alginate, a polyalcohol and a hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof, and their preparation process. These polysaccharide-matrix gels in highly hydrated self-supporting film form are suitable for use as covering and protection materials for cutaneous lesions and/or pathologies in that they are obtainable in self-supporting form in the desired thickness, are transparent, flexible, have good mechanical characteristics, are adaptable to the lesion surface without strongly adhering to it, and are permeable to gas but are impermeable to liquids and bacteria; one or more pharmacologically active substances can also be incorporated in the gel.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of cellulose sheet by extrusion of a heated solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine-oxide, which method includes using an extrusion die with an extrusion orifice, characterised in that, immediately below the extrusion orifice there is provided an inlet for cooling gas to cool the extruded sheet. The method according to the invention is especially suitable for the preparation of cellulose tubular films.

Abstract: This specification discloses pelletized pre-dope granules of cellulose and a tertiary amine oxide wherein the tertiary amine oxide is homogeneously dispersed throughout the cellulose and a process for making them. According to the invention, the pelletized pre-dope granules can be prepared by a process comprising of the steps of feeding cellulose to a mill with knife-edged blades, together with the tertiary amine oxide powder having a water content of 5 to 17% by weight; and milling and blending the resulting solid mixture in the blender, while heating the solid mixture at a temperature sufficient to agglomerate as a result of instantaneous melting of tertiary amine oxide powder and simultaneous penetration of the molten amine oxide into cellulose without dissolving the cellulose. The pre-dope granules thus obtained can be used in making shaped cellulosic articles such as fibers and films.

Abstract: There is disclosed water soluble algin fibers and such fibers which have antibiotics immobilized thereto. The water soluble algin fibers are produced by extruding an aqueous dope which contains water soluble algin therein into a large quantity of a hydrophilic organic solvent exemplified by acetone. The water soluble algin fibers which have antibiotics immobilized thereto are produced in the same manner by using a dope containing antibiotics.

Abstract: A dialysis membrane in the form of a hollow fiber with a continuous internal cavity is made of cellulose acetate or a cellulose acetate derivative. The membrane has a maximum screen coefficient of 0.04 for albumin with a molecular weight of 68,000. A dialysis membrane in the form of a hollow fiber with a continuous internal cavity may be made in a process using a spinning solution containing an organic carboxylic acid and a cavity-forming liquid. Modification agents and/or water are optionally added and the solution is extruded through a spinneret suitable for the manufacture of hollow fibers. The precipitation of the resultant dialysis membrane and the usual further aftertreatment take place in a precipitation bath. The organic carboxylic acid preferably is acetic acid and the precipitation bath preferably is a dilute acetic acid.

Abstract: In a method for forming a cellulose tube suitable for use as a food casing, in which a solution of nonderivatized cellulose, tertiary amine N-oxide and water is extruded through a die gap and the extruded tube downwardly flowed through an air length while being internally cooled, and passed into a water bath, the tube transverse direction tensile strength is substantially increased by drawing the extruded tube through an air length of at least about six inches.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing starch derived shaped articles and in particular, a method of producing films derived from high amylose starch. In the method, a hot melt is prepared by heating under pressure a composition comprising a high amylosic material, or a derivative thereof, and sufficient water to provide a homogeneous melt for subsequent extrusion as a shaped article. The hot melt is subjected to an atmospheric or subatmospheric pressure immediately prior to or during extrusion so as to remove water from the hot melt prior to the formation of the shaped article. Preferably, the high amylosic material is derived from Goodman Fielder Mills Pty. Limited maize hybrids 55/77 or 65/88. The starch derived films produced by the method are particularly suitable for use in oxygen barrier laminates and as biodegradable mulch films.

Abstract: Polysaccharide fibers are produced by hot extrusion of a gelling polysaccharide into air or a gelling salt bath. Optionally, other polysaccharides, including non-gelling types, may be co-extruded with the gelling polysaccharide. The fibers are useful for the production of wound dressings and catamenial devices, and many other devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a cigarette product which contains a novel type of encapsulated flavorant-release filament. The flavorant is released under normal smoking conditions.

Abstract: Starch-based biodegradable packaging fillers are provided which have high volumes, low weights, and excellent compressibility and resiliency properties. The products of the invention are fabricated by extrusion of a starch substrate, most preferably normal wheat starch, in the presence of minor amounts of a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof and/or a particulate bubble-nucleating agent. Effective biodegradable packaging fillers can thus be fabricated without the use of expensive modified starch substrates; however, such substrates can also be employed if desired, and the additives of the invention improve these products as well. In preferred production procedures, the additives are mixed with the starch substrate, and the mixture is preconditioned and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

Abstract: Starch-based biodegradable packaging fillers are provided which have high volumes, low weights, and excellent compressibility and resiliency properties. The products of the invention are fabricted by extrusion of a starch substrate, most preferably normal wheat starch, in the presence of minor amounts of a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof and/or a particulate bubble-nucleating agent. Effective biodegradable packaging fillers can thus be fabricated without the use of expensive modified starch substrates; however, such substrates can also be employed if desired, and the additives of the invention improve these products as well. In preferred production procedures, the additives are mixed with the starch substrate, and the mixture is preconditioned and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

Abstract: A biodegradable shaped product comprising an expanded modified flour product preferably having at least 40% by weight amylose content and containing about 2% or more by weight of an inorganic water soluble salt, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded, low density, closed cell modified flour product, the flour preferably having at least 40% by weight amylose content and containing about 2% or more by weight of an inorganic water soluble salt, and the expanded product having a bulk density of less than about 2.0 lb/ft.sup.3, a resiliency of at least about 50%, and a compressibility of from about 100 to 800 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A biodegradable shaped product comprising an expanded high amylose starch product having at least 45% by weight amylose content, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded, low density, closed cell starch product, the starch having at least 45% by weight amylose content and the expanded product having a bulk density of less than about 2.0 lb/ft.sup.3, a resiliency of at least about 50%, and a compressibility of from about 100 to 800 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A biodegradable shaped product comprising an expanded high amylose starch product having at least 45% by weight amylose content, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded, low density, closed cell starch product, the starch having at least 45% by weight amylose content and the expanded product having a bulk density of less than about 2.0 lb/ft.sup.3, a resiliency of at least about 50%, and a compressibility of from about 100 to 800 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: High tenacity chitin acetate/formate and chitosan acetate/formate fibers and the process for making such fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making oriented, shaped articles of lyotropic polysaccharide/thermally-consolidatable polymer blends by orienting spinnable dopes containing fiber-forming polymers being at least about 55% and less than about 80% lyotropic polysaccharide and at least about 20 percent and less than about 45% thermally-consolidatable polymer and removing the solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to solutions of cellulose destined to be extruded or spun, containing a tertiary amine oxide as solvent for the cellulose and in particular the N-oxide of N-methylmorpholine. It consists of using ammonium chloride or calcium chloride as additive in the preparation of these solutions.

Abstract: A biodegradable packaging material comprising an expanded high amylose starch product having at least 45% by weight amylose content, said expanded product having a low density, closed cell structure with good resilience and compressibility.Another embodiment provides a method of preparing a low density, biodegradable packaging material comprising extruding a starch having at least 45% by weight amylose content, in the presence of a total moisture content of 21% or less by weight, at a temperature of from 150.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: High strength chitosan fibers from chitin and chitosan derivatives and the process for making these fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: Raw starch is slurried in an aqueous solution containing up to and above saturation levels of an ammonium sulfate, ammonium monobasic or dibasic phosphate, sodium sulfate or mixtures thereof. The slurry is then cooked at temperatures above about 150.degree. C. The resulting starch cook is then extruded using conventional methods into a coagulating salt bath thereby producing a starch fiber. When the starch is cooked in the presence of a salt prior to spinning in the coagulation bath, dilution of the salt in the coagulation bath is minimized, thus reducing the evaporation load.

Abstract: High tenacity chitin acetate/formate and chitosan acetate/formate fibers and the process for making such fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for producing semipermeable membranes in the form of hollow fibers are disclosed including extruding a solution of a block copolymer including at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one hydrophobic polymer while simultaneously injecting a gaseous or vaporous center medium into the center bore of the hollow fiber extrudate, including coagulating the extrudate so formed therefrom. The preferred process includes using air or the components of air as the center medium and employing a polyethyleneoxide-polycarbonate block copolymer to form the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: The invention provides a fibrous binder capable of exhibiting a bonding ability in a dry condition for fibers having no self-adhesiveness in paper making but capable of imparting the paper made by use of the same with disintegrability into discrete fibers in a wet condition so that the paper is disposable in water. The fibrous binder is prepared by wet-spinning of an aqueous dope containing a water-soluble salt, e.g. sodium salt, of alginic acid and an alkyleneglycol ester of alginic acid in a specified proportion into a coagulation bath containing a water-soluble salt of certain metals, e.g. calcium, of which the ions are replaceable with the sodium ions of the water-soluble salt of alginic acid to convert the acid into a water-insoluble salt so as to form a water-insoluble gel in a fibrous form of a blend composed of the water-insoluble metal salt of alginic acid and the alkyleneglycol ester of alginic acid.

Abstract: A process for producing dried alginate fibre material, in which wet spun insoluble alginate fibres are overlaid in a sheet onto a more slowly moving liquid permeable conveyor and are subjected to a dewatering drying operation, includes special treatment to eliminate or reduce bonding of the overlaid fibres at their points of contact or intersection. This is accomplished preferably by passing the dried sheet or web that is produced through successive pairs of rollers driven at different speeds so as to pull the individual fibres longitudinally and break any existing inter-fibre bonds. Also, prior to and during initial drying of the sheet of wet fibres application thereto of external mechanical forces is avoided and alcohol exchange to remove water may be used. The rollers may advantageously produce a stretch-breaking effect. The alginate fibre material produced is particularly suitable for making up medical or surgical dressings and the like.

Abstract: Hollow chitosan fibres for use in ultrafiltration processes are described, and which can be plasticized by the addition of glycerin such that they contain this latter in a quantity variable between 0.5 and 5% by weight with respect to the polymer. Said fibres are prepared by the wet spinning of acid chitosan solutions, using an alkali solution as the external fibre coagulant and a gaseous phase containing a basic gaseous component as the internal fibre coagulant.

Abstract: A fiber comprised of chitin having a single yarn denier of 0.5 to 20 and a dry tensile strength of 2 g/d or more, and a process for the production thereof are described. The use of such chitin fibers permits the production of surgical sutures having high tensile strength and flexibility, and good absorption properties.

Abstract: A process of preparing film, fibers and other shaped articles by nitrosating a polyhydroxy polymer in a reaction medium containing a solubilizing agent for the resulting polyhydroxy polymer nitrite ester and a suitable proton acceptor, bringing the reaction mixture into the desired shape and regenerating and separating the polyhydroxy polymer by contact with a protic solvent in the presence of an acid catalyst. The polyhydroxy polymer may be a polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose or other polysaccharide, and mixtures thereof. Also dissolved in the reaction medium may be an organic solvent soluble polymer substantially lacking hydroxyl groups. If mixtures of polyhydroxy polymers or of polyhydroxy polymers lacking hydroxyl groups and organic solvent soluble polymers are employed the resulting films, fibers or other shaped articles consist of homogeneous and intimate mixtures of all the polymers originally present in solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polymer solutions which make it possible to produce shaped articles, such as yarns and fibres, films, sheets and the like.These solutions consist of cellulose having a degree of polymerisation of at least 200, polyamide-imide, dimethyl sulphoxide and formaldehyde, with a weight ratio cellulose/polyamide-imide of 0.05 to 1, preferably 0.1 to 1, a ratio formaldehyde/cellulose of 0.2 to 2 and a total concentration of 6 to 25%, preferably 15 to 20%.These solutions are particularly suitable for the production of filaments which consist of fibrils substantially orientated along the axis of the fibre and closely intersecting, the cellulose macromolecules being partially involved in a crystal lattice characteristic of cellulose II. The filaments possess valuable properties for use in textiles.

Abstract: Rayon fibers made by spinning a viscose containing dissolved starch. Starch grains may be slurried in water, then made alkaline with NaOH to form a solution and then added to viscose.