Abstract: A process for the production of shaped structures of cellulose, in particular fibers of cellulose, by shaping and subsequent regeneration of water-soluble cellulose derivatives is described. The process employs water-soluble alcohols, water-soluble ketones or, in particular, water or mixtures thereof as solvents for the shaping and carrying out the shaping by a dry shaping process.

Abstract: A method of making a cellulose triacetate photographic film base which includes delivering a dope solution of from 15 to 35 wt % of cellulose triacetate in dichloromethane based on the total weight of the solution under a pressure of from 7 atmospheres to 50 atmospheres and a temperature of from 41.degree. C. to 63.degree. C. to a surface maintained at atmospheric pressure; the surface being maintained at a temperature below the boiling point of dichloromethane.

Abstract: A jet assembly for spinning cellulose fibres from a solution of cellulose in an amine oxide solvent in which the jet assembly includes a generally top-hat shaped spinnerette having a series of downwardly directed holes through the base of the spinnerette and an outwardly directed flange around the periphery of the vertical walls of the spinnerette, the jet assembly including a heated housing engaging with the flange and being bolted to the flange, insulation being provided on the underside of the jet assembly over the outer periphery, the combination of heating and insulation regulating the temperature of the jet assembly for optimum spinning of an amine oxide cellulose solution.

Abstract: A method for spinning a cellulose acetate fiber having a low degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit (DS/AGU) of the cellulose acetate is provided. The addition of 5 to 40 weight percent water to cellulose acetate(CA)/acetone spinning solutions (dopes) will produce dopes that will allow fibers to be solvent spun using CA with a DS/AGU from 1.9 to 2.2.

Abstract: A process for preparing cellulose acetate articles such as fibers. The process includes the following steps: Cellulose acetate is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution, the solvent made up of from 5% to 50% by weight of carbon dioxide and from 95% to 50% of a compatible solvent such as acetone. The solvent is above the supercritical conditions of CO.sub.2. The solution is filtrated of insoluble matter and extended to form a fiber or similar article.

Abstract: A filter tow from cellulose acetate filaments and/or staple fibers is described on the surface of which an additive from cellulose chain-splitting enzymes is present, at least the surface of the filaments and staple fibers consisting of a cellulose acetate having an acetyl number of less than 53%, preferably less than 49%. The method for the production of such a filter tow comprises spinning cellulose acetate filaments from a solution in acetone, of cellulose acetate of an acetyl number of at least 53% if necessary, cutting the filaments to staple fibers, gathering the filaments and/or staple fibers to a filter tow and applying an additive, the filaments and staple fibers being hydrolyzed and as additive one of cellulose chain-splitting enzymes is used. There are described also a tobacco smoke filter element from such a filter tow and a method for its production.

Abstract: The present invention provides super absorbent materials in the form of sheets or fibers made from high melting polymers and having super absorbent polymer material dispersed uniformly throughout. The materials are capable of incorporating large amounts of super absorbent polymer and so demonstrate substantially improved absorbency and retention properties.The superabsorbent materials comprise a matrix material polymer selected from the group consisting of cellulose esters, acrylic acid esters, polyvinyl esters and copolymers of same, particles of superabsorbent material distributed throughout the matrix material and a plasticizer mixed into the matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving thermoplastic and cross-linked polymeric networks. The inventive method comprises forming the polymeric network under gravitational conditions comprising from about 10.sup.-6 to about 10.sup.-2 g. Three modes of energy transfer have been recognized, inter alia, conduction, convection, and radiation. Polymeric networks formed under microgravity conditions (defined herein as gravitational conditions comprising from about 10.sup.-6 to about 10.sup.-2 g) do not obviate conduction and radiation modes of energy transfer. Convection energy transfer, however, is gravity dependent. Thus, convection currents can be suppressed in thermoplastic and cross-linked polymeric networks during network formation by forming the network under microgravity conditions. Suppression of convection currents reduces the incidences of voids in solvent cast thermoplastic polymeric membranes, which forms yet another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of making cellulose ester photographic film base employing microwave radiation for removing the final portion of solvent present in the film.

Abstract: A method for producing ultra fine denier cellulose acetate fibers that entails spinning a spinning solution containing adequately high amounts of cellulose acetate in acetone wherein the cellulose acetate has a falling ball viscosity of 15 to 70 seconds wherein the spinning is conducted through spinnerettes having holes that have a diameter of less than 36 microns followed by drying at a temperature of about 50.degree. to 80.degree. C. at a draw ratio of 0.9 to 1.7.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for spinning filaments from a material such as cellulose acetate dope. The filaments are spun from a spinnerette at the top of a vertically elongated spinning cabinet. Gas is first directed parallel to the filaments as they are spun. A short distance down the cabinet, gas is directed radially inwardly toward the filaments. The two flows of gas merge and flow parallel to the filaments to the bottom of the cabinet, where the gas is withdrawn radially outwardly from the filaments.

Abstract: An improved extrudable solution such as a cellulose acetate/acetone spinning solution is provided containing cellulose ester, solvent, metal oxide precursor, acid, and water. The solution is extruded such as by spinning and produces a shaped article such as a cellulose acetate fiber containing metal oxide interpenetrating networks.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulose triacetate films that is capable of not only suppressing the growth of foreign matter on transport rollers, but also markedly reducing the necessary number of cleaning operations. The process includes steps of casting a solution of cellulose triacetate onto a support having it surface cooled at 20.degree. C. or below, drying and cooling the solution cast onto the support to solidify the cast solution, separating the subsequently solidified film from the support, and transporting the film while it dries on transport rollers. In accordance with the invention, for a weight proportion of the solvents in the film as separated from the support of at least 40 wt %, the surface of the transport rollers is made of a material having a surface energy of no more than 80 dynes/cm at 20.degree. C.

Abstract: A cellulose triacetate film excellent in both of the tear strength and the folding endurance can be obtained by casting a cellulose triacetate dope using a solvent mixture of methylene chloride with the other solvent in a ratio of 13 to 25 wt. % of the total solvent weight on a support of which the surface temperature is kept lower than 10.degree. C., and drying with controlling the drying conditions so that the content of volatile components in the film and the film surface temperature enter a particular region or so that the content of volatile components in the film and the shrinkage percentage of the film in the cross direction enter in a particular region. The film thus obtained is also excellent in flatness.

Abstract: Cellulose derivative spinning solutions are provided, having an improved flow rate at comparable cellulose derivative content and pressure drop across the spinning nozzle, or a higher cellulose derivative content at comparable flow rate, comprising a cellulose derivative in solution in a solvent therefor, and a polyethylene glycol soluble in the solution and having an average molecular weight within the range from about 1.1 to about 4.5 million, in an amount to improve flow rate or increase cellulose derivative content; as well as a process for spinning such solutions through a spinning nozzle at improved flow rate or increased cellulose derivative content.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition useful for preparing a semi-permeable cellulose ester gas separation membrane, which composition includes a mixture of a cellulose ester, a solvent selected from the group consisting essentially of glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, and mixtures thereof, and optionally the non-solvent glycerol. This invention also relates to a process of fabricating a cellulose ester gas separation membrane from said composition.

Abstract: A process for producing a cellulose acetate molding material which comprises dissolving cellulose diacetate in a mixed solvent of acetone and water to prepare a dope and then spinning or film forming the dope, wherein at least one compound selected from the group consisting of water-soluble salts and bases is added to the water to be used in preparation of the dope.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sustained release formulation utilizing collagen and/or gelatin as a carrier, which comprises the steps:(i) preparing a uniform and high concentrated mixture with respect to the collagen and/or gelatin by blending an active ingredient, said collagen and/or gelatin, and water or an admixture consisting of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent under one of the conditions selected from:(A) the pH of the mixture is kept below 5 and the salt concentration of the mixture is retained below fiber-forming concentration;(B) chemically modified collagen and/or gelatin is employed; and(C) glucose is added to the mixture;(ii) molding the resultant mixture; and(iii) gradually eliminating the solvent from the molded product.

Abstract: Composition (M) having a base of a cellulose ester having formate groups, this composition being an anisotropic solution containing:(a) the cellulose ester;(b) formic acid;(c) at least one phosphoric acid.A process for obtaining this composition by dissolving the cellulose and a process for obtaining articles by transformation of this composition, and, for example, regenerating the cellulose of these articles. A cellulose fiber is provided in which a degree of substitution of the cellulose by formate groups is either at least equal to 2% or is zero or less than 2%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of cellulose ester films, which comprises dissolving a cellulose ester in an organic solvent, coating the solution on a substrate under rotation and peeling the film formed on the substrate from the substrate, wherein a second organic solvent having a compatibility with the organic solvent and being a poor solvent to the cellulose ester is added to the organic solvent solution of the cellulose ester to precipitate a cellulose ester having a high molecular weight in the cellulose ester, the cellulose ester having a high molecular weight is separated from the solution, and the remaining cellulose ester solution is formed into a cellulose ester film by the rotational film-forming method.The cellulose ester film prepared according to this process is excellent in the thickness uniformity and free of color nonuniformity or streaks and has good optical properties.

Abstract: A molding material having high dynamic strength which contains bacterial cellulose having ribbon-shaped microfibrils.Such material is advantageously used as a reinforcing material for composite plastics having high strength, as high quality paper or as acoustic diaphragms for percussion instruments.

Abstract: High strength, high modulus cellulose triacetate fibers are produced by spinning a 30-50% by weight solution of cellulose triacetate having an acetyl content of at least 42.5% and an inherent viscosity of at least 5 from a solvent mixture comprising nitric acid and another solvent having a molecular weight of less than 160 in a mol ratio of 1-3 through an air gap into a coagulating bath.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane of a cellulose ester for dialysis of body liquids, such as blood, and a method are described. The membrane, which has a membrane thickness of less than 20.mu., and a yield strength S.sub.b (g/filament) after heat-treatment at 80.degree. C. for 20 hours satisfies the following formula (I):0.90.ltoreq.S.sub.b /S.sub.a .ltoreq.1.10 (I)wherein S.sub.a represents the yield strength (g/filament) of the hollow fiber membrane which is measured before heat treatment. The membrane has excellent dialysis performance while keeping excellent storage stability and excellent UFR retention during storage and during hemodialysis. A spinning solution of a cellulose ester is extruded through cyclic slits around an inner tube of a spinneret while a core solution is simultaneously extruded through the inner tube of the spinneret.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing film without melt fracturing in which a flow of a polymer solution having a high viscosity extruded from a die slit onto a running and spreading plane is extruded through the die slit together with a low viscosity solution with the polymer solution is covered by the low viscosity solution. In a first preferred embodiment, the low viscosity solution is passed through a confluence tube so as to surround the high viscosity solution in the form of a coaxial cylinder after which the two solutions are passed through a slit die which maintains the covering relationship between the high and low viscosity solutions. In another preferred embodiment, a slit die is provided which has a central passage into which the high viscosity fluid is supplied and side passages of a slit-like shape similar to that of the main passage into which the low viscosity solution is supplied.

Abstract: As in the conventional manner for molding an optical component, a molding cavity is used in combination with a relief chamber with which the molding cavity can selectively communicate. There is no communication between the relief chamber and the molding cavity while the latter is filled. The molding cavity is then placed in communication with the relief chamber. Subsequently, relative displacement of the relief chamber and the molding cavity parallel to the axis of the combination interrupts such communication. The optical component thus molded may be of any kind, such as an optical lens, specifically an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: It has been discovered that cellulose acetate membranes, fabricated using nonaqueous solvent systems, can be used for the separation of polar solvents, especially ketone dewaxing solvents from dewaxed oil. The cellulose acetate membranes so prepared are of a reduced acetyl content and exhibit very good resistance to ketone solvents. The specific fabrication procedure avoids exposing the cellulose acetate to even transient mixtures of ketone and alcohol or ketone and water. Although the cellulose acetate polymer is insoluble in pure water, alcohol, or ketone it is soluble in mixtures of ketone-alcohol and ketone-water.The resulting membrane is an effective means for separating ketone dewaxing solvent from dewaxed oil.

Abstract: A process for producing a cellulose ester support is described which comprises producing said support from an organic solvent solution of a cellulose ester containing 30 ppm or less alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Cellulose ester fibres are dry-spun from a solution in an aliphatic carboxylic acid, which solution may comprise the product liquor of the carboxylation reaction used to form the cellulose ester. Spinnability is achieved by incorporating an organic fibre-forming carrier polymer such as poly(ethylene oxide) in the spinning dope. The process may be used to spin cellulose acetate fibres and is economical in avoiding the use of conventional acetate solvents and the various purification stages usually required after the acetate is formed by acetylation. Blow-spinning or centrifugal spinning may be used to spin fine fibres.

Abstract: A method of forming a cellulose fiber which comprises dissolving cellulose in a solvent comprising ammonia and a salt and subsequently forming a fiber.

Abstract: Cellulose is activated by penetration of the cellulose with a polar medium and mixed at a temperature at which no significant degradation occurs with an amide selected from the group consisting of dimethylacetamide, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and mixtures thereof and from 3 to 15% by weight of lithium chloride. The cellulose is then dissolved in the amide and lithium chloride in the substantial absence of any polar medium other than the amide. Shaped cellulosic products may be formed by reconstituting the cellulose in fiber, sheet or other form.

Abstract: A continuous process is disclosed for treating a viscous polymer solution prior to being introduced into a spinnerette for producing fibers. The treatment comprises:(a) introducing a volatile viscosity reducing agent into the solution to render the solution suitable for centrifuging,(b) passing the solution of reduced viscosity through a centrifuge wherein gels are centrifugally separated from the solution,(c) evaporating volatile viscosity reducing agent from the solution to render it suitable for spinning,(d) condensing the viscosity reducing agent and capturing the heat of condensation, and(e) using the heat from step (d) as at least a part of the heat required for evaporating the viscosity reducing agent.

Abstract: A dense hollow fiber cellulosic membrane which possesses outstanding permeability and strength characteristics and the method of preparation thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: Hydrophilic films, fibers and spongy articles of a water-insoluble polymer selected from the group consisting of regenerated cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester and polyalkylene, and capable of forming fibers and films, are produced by distributing in a mass of the polymer up to 50% of pulverulent or granular amorphous particles of an originally water-soluble cellulose ether prepared from natural cellulose and rendered by chemical modification at least partly water-insoluble while remaining water-absorbent. The resulting mixture is then processed by conventional methods into the desired article.

Abstract: Webs are formed by mixing chemically modified cellulose fibers in a carrier and dewatering to form a mixture of gel-like consistency having a minimum of external water wherein the fibers have not lost their individual structures. This mixture is sprayed or injected into a gas stream of volume and velocity such that the individual fibers are separated. These fibers are collected into highly-absorbent webs having varying structures. Due to the rapid separation of fibers and subsequent drying, reduced interfiber hydrogen bonding takes place resulting in good tactile properties such as softness and drape. By controlling the direction and velocity of the fibers, webs can be produced having structures ranging from very dense mats to loose, fluffy batt-like products. The webs of the invention possess high absorbency, good wicking, and strength sufficient for handling. They may be used as components for wipers, surgical sponges, and personal care products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and disposable diapers.

Abstract: A process for producing shaped articles of cellulose is disclosed, wherein a solution of cellulose in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and formaldehyde, at a formaldehyde/cellulose weight ratio of 0.2 to 2, and at a cellulose concentration of at least 6% by weight, based on the volume of DMSO, is spun into a gaseous atmosphere containing ammonia.The process of the present invention permits the cellulosic solution to be formed into shaped articles in a very rapid and economical manner. The invention is especially useful in the production of filaments which can be used in the textile field, but other shaped articles, such as fibers, threads, films and sheets, can also be made from the cellulosic solution.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing viscose filaments from a cellulosic starting material wherein a viscose is prepared from the cellulosic starting material, the viscose is extruded by passing it through a spinneret to form continuous thin strands, the extruded strands are passed continuously through a gaseous medium which contains at least one volatile agent of such a nature, and under such conditions, that a coagulating action on the said strands results, the strands which have thus been coagulated are then brought into contact with an acid medium which causes a pre-regeneration of the initial cellulose, so that the strands are converted to continuous filaments, and the filaments are passed through at least one other acid liquid medium which causes ultimate regeneration of the cellulose.

Abstract: An improved process for releasably enclosing a solution of a micelle-forming surfactant in a receptacle comprising a microporous cellulose membrane is provided.

Abstract: New solvents for chitin comprising dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or mixtures of these in combination with a minor proportion of lithium chloride, and their use in the purification of chitin for regeneration in the form of films and fibers are described.

Abstract: Discrete cellulose acetate fibers are produced by flashing an emulsion of cellulose acetate, water, and a solvent which is miscible with the water at the temperature at which the emulsion is flashed. The fibers can be used directly to make paper in accordance with conventional papermaking methods.

Abstract: A dry-wet process for forming interiorally asymmetric hollow fiber cellulose acetate membranes is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the formation of cellulose acetate filamentary material and film. Secondary cellulose acetate is dissolved in a solvent at an elevated temperature and elevated pressure to form a homogeneous solution, with the solvent being incapable of dissolving the secondary cellulose acetate at ambient conditions. The cellulose acetate solution is extruded through an appropriate shaped orifice into a gaseous atmosphere provided at substantially atmospheric pressure. A rapid precipitation or phase separation reaction occurs in the gaseous atmosphere wherein the solvent separates from the cellulose acetate to form a solid filamentary material or film which is subsequently collected. The solid product may be dried to remove remaining traces of solvent. The process is capable of implementation at rapid spinning speeds while utilizing relatively short zones wherein the phase separation is accomplished.