Abstract: Compositions and methods are directed to a sheath core fiber with a core and a sheath that comprises a fluoropolymer. Contemplated sheath materials include PVDF, ECTFE, and ETFE, and may have an apparent shear viscosity equal to or less than the apparent shear viscosity of the core material. Especially contemplated sheaths have a weight of 30% or less of the weight of the fiber. Preferred fibers are spun in a spin pack having a sheath material conduit with a ratio of open volume to sheath material mass flow of less than 0.75 for a fiber with a 30 wt % sheath, of less than 1.15 for a fiber with a 20 wt % sheath, and of less than 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell fibers made from pulp, in particular a pulp having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5%, includes cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization of from about 200 to about 1100, a kappa number of less than 2.0, and wherein greater than 4% of pulp fibers have a length-weighted fiber length of less than 2.0 mm.

Abstract: A moldable pellet used for making high impact, non-abrasive recyclable structural composites consisting of a thermoplastic polymer or polymers, with or without fillers and additives, and a synthetic cellulosic fiber in yarn or tow form such as Rayon or Lyocell. The concentration of cellulose fiber within the pellet may vary from approximately 2-80 percent by weight or higher. This moldable pellet is suitable for molding in current molding applications such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A binder is applied to particles which are then combined with fibers to bind the particles to the fibers. The particles have functional sites for forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond. The fibers have hydrogen bonding functional sites. The binder comprises binder molecules, the binder molecules having at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers may be adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder in turn may be adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing improved regenerated cellulose fiber, by adding a crosslinking agent having two or more reactive functional groups in a molecule to a cellulose viscose solution and mixing, then extruding the viscose solution into a coagulation and regeneration bath, followed by applying a heat treatment, or followed by contacting obtained regenerated cellulose fiber with an aqueous solution of a crosslinking agent having two or more reactive functional groups in a molecule then applying a heat treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides molded bodies made from a treated kraft pulp, the pulp having a high hemicellulose content or at least 7% a low copper number of less than 2, and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) that has a range of 200 to 1100.

Abstract: Microfibers have been manufactured from dissolved cellulose, from which threads, yarns, and fabrics can be made. These cellulosic microfibers may be used to produce fabrics with the very soft feel that is characteristic of microfiber fabrics, and the water absorbency and comfort of cellulosic fabrics. Furthermore, since the microfiber diameter may be 2 &mgr;m or smaller (about the same size as dust particles and small oily droplets), these fabrics have an exceptional ability to remove dust and oil droplets from surfaces and gas streams, and are therefore useful in filter media. The novel microfibers may be manufactured by the continuous flow of dissolved cellulose through a converging die. Imposing orientation in the incipient microfiber prior to or during crystallization of the cellulose produces continuous fibers of substantial aspect ratio, without significant entanglement.

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 invention provides deodorant rayon fibers having a superior deodorization performance. The deodorant rayon fibers are produced by implanting a large quantity of fine grains produced by milling white charcoal in a matrix of the rayon fiber. After adding and mixing a water dispersion which disperses the large quantity of fine grains into viscose solutin, and then spinning, thereby the deodorant rayon fibers are produced. The fine grains obtained by milling the white charcoal do not form spheres with smooth surfaces, but their configurations are irregular with projections. As a result, even when they are implanted in the matrix of the rayon fiber, the projections tend to be exposed on the surfaces of the rayon fibers. The exposed fine grains adsorb odor gases into themselves, thereby their superior deodoization performance is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.). Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell fibers made from pulp, in particular a pulp having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5%, includes cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization of from about 200 to about 1100, a kappa number of less than 2.0, and wherein greater than 4% of pulp fibers have a length-weighted fiber length of less than 2.0 mm.

Abstract: The present invention is a fire resistant cellulose insulation material made from agricultural byproduct containing cellulose fiber, comprising:

Abstract: The present invention comprises an aqueous emulsion for imparting oil and water repellency to textiles prepared by polymerizing a mixture of monomers (a), (b) and (c) as follows: (a) 70-90% polymer chain units derived from a mixture of monomers of the formula: Rf—Q—A—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  wherein Rf is a straight or branched-chain perfluoroalkyl group containing from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; R is H or CH3; A is O, S, or N(R′); Q is alkylene of 1 to 15 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkylene of 3 to 15 carbon atoms, —(CnH2n)(OCqH2q)m—, —SO2—NR′(CnH2n)—, or —CONR′(CnH2n)—, wherein R′ is H or alkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, n is 1 to about 15, q is 2 to about 4, and m is 1 to about 15; (b) 5-25% monomer chain units derived from a long-chain alkyl (meth)acrylate of the formula: R″—O—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  wherein R″ is an alkyl group of about 12 to about 24 carbons and R is H or CH3; (c

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lyocell fibers having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5%, a low lignin content as measured by a kappa number less than 2.0 and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) in the range of 200 to 1100. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell films, having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5%, a low copper number of less than 2, and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) in the range of about 200 to 1100.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coagulating agent for liquid crystal solutions with a base of cellulose substances, characterised in that it contains at least one water soluble additive selected from the group consisting of ammonia, amines of salt of these compounds, the additive being such that the pH of the said coagulating agent is greater than 6. A preferable additive is a salt elected from the group consisting of ammonium formates, acetates and phosphates, mixed salts of these compounds, or mixtures of these constituents, in particular diammonium orthophosphates (NH4)2 HPO4. The invention also concerns a method for spinning a liquid crystal solution with a base of cellulose substances, using a coagulating agent as per the invention, in particular the method called the “dry-jet-wet-spinning” as well as spun articles, fibers or films, obtained by these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell films, having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5%, a low copper number of less than 2, and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) in the range of about 200 to 1100.

Abstract: A fluorochemical composition is described comprising a polymer derived from a fluorochemical urethane (meth)acrylate monomer. The fluorochemical composition is useful for imparting stain release properties to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coagulating agent for liquid crystal solutions with a base of cellulose substances, characterized in that it contains at least one water soluble additive selected from the group consisting of ammonia, amines of salt of these compounds, the additive being such that the pH of the said coagulating agent is greater than 6. A preferable additive is a salt selected from the group consisting of ammonium formates, acetates and phosphates, mixed salts of these compounds, or mixtures of these constituents, in particular diammonium orthophosphates (NH4) 2 HPO4. The invention also concerns a method for spinning a liquid crystal solution with a base of cellulose substances, using a coagulating agent as per the invention, in particular the method called “dry-jet-wet-spinning” as well as spun articles, fibers or films, obtained by these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low copper number and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) and a narrow molecular weight distribution. Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, by contacting an alkaline pulp having a high hemicellulose content of at least about 7% with an oxidant sufficient to reduce the average degree of polymerization to about 200 to 1100 without substantially reducing the hemicellulose content or increasing the copper number of the pulp.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the permanent flameproof finishing of cellulose fibers and articles containing them. The flameproof finishing takes place using a 4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl amine compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel rayon fiber which possesses characteristics similar to those of a viscose rayon fiber as to be suitable for use in clothes in addition to being produced at an economical cost. The rayon fiber is prepared from a cellulose acetate fiber with a degree of substitution of 2.0 or higher by saponifying 75% or greater of the total acetyl groups of the cellulose acetate fiber into hydroxyl groups and has a composite crystalline structure of cellulose II and IV.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell fibers made from compositions having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5% by weight, a low kappa number of less than 2.0 and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) value of about 200 to 1100, and a narrow molecular weight distribution (R) of less than 2.8.

Abstract: Methods of making polymeric fibers are provided and include spinning a solution containing at least one polymer, a modified pigment having attached at least one organic group, and a solvent. The polarity of the solvent and the polarity of the modified pigment are selected such that the polymer is soluble in the solution and the modified pigment is maintained dispersed throughout the solution. The polarity of the modified pigment may be substantially the same as the polarity of the solvent. Fibers of acrylic-containing polymers and other polymeric fibers are also provided. Articles and reinforcing material containing the various fiber(s) are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a tobacco filter material which is either (A) a coating process for coating the surface of a fibrous or particulate cellulose with a cellulose ester having an average substitution degree of about 2.0 to about 2.6 to give a coated cellulose, and wet webbing the coated cellulose into a sheet, or (B) a treating process for treating a naturally-occurring or regenerated cellulose fiber or particle with an organic acid and an organic acid anhydride or organic acid halide in a liquid phase to give a cellulose derivative.

Abstract: Composite crimped yarn comprising 50-90 wt. % of cellulose filaments and synthetic fiber filaments and having a crimp elongation percentage of 0.1-4.0%; and a weft knitted fabric comprising the composite crimped yarns. A weft knitted fabric comprising the composite crimped yarns does not substantially have weft bar has a high-quality appearance, a glossiness and hand touchness of the cellulose filaments, and excellent shrinkage proofing properties and setting properties, so that this weft knitted fabric can be applied to clothing goods, such as inner wear, sports wear and outer wear which are required to have excellent, a wet strength, dimensional stability and a high quality of knitted fabric.

Abstract: Viscose filaments, preferably in staple fibre form, which have a decitex of less than 5.0 and a multi-limbed cross-section, the limbs having a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least 2:1. Examples of multi-limbed cross-sectional shapes are Y-, X-, H- and T-shapes. The fibre can be formed into woven, non-woven or knitted fabrics, and is especially useful for absorbent products.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low copper number and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) and a narrow molecular weight distribution. Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low copper number and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization and a narrow molecular weight distribution. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for rayon having ion-generating characteristics, featuring a ceramic content comprising 10-40% tourmaline by weight, 10-40% serpentine by weight, and 40-80% silica by weight. The ceramics are subjected to dry pulverization processing to achieve particle diameters of 2-10 &mgr;m, and then to wet pulverization processing to make ceramic fine particle powder with average particle diameters under 0.5 &mgr;m. The ceramic fine particle powder is then mixed as ceramic solids in viscose so that the ceramic content by weight is 15-35% that of cellulose. The viscose is mixed by quantitatively and continuously adding the above dispersion of ceramic in water with a vacuum-sealed agitator device installed in the viscose pipe circuit just prior to spinning of the viscose.

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: An absorbent material that can be used as an absorbent core in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence devices is provided. An absorbent material of this invention contains cellulosic fibers at least a portion of which cellulosic fibers have a relative crystallinity of less than about 65 percent. The absorbent material has superior absorptive, strength, and suppleness properties when compared to existing core materials. The material can be air-laid in one or more layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.). Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.

Abstract: An improved coform material having a plurality of synthetic fibers, a plurality of natural fibers commingled with the plurality of synthetic fibers and a treatment system including a surfactant selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated hydrogenated fatty oils, monosaccharides, monosaccharide derivatives, polysaccharides, polysaccharide derivatives, and combinations thereof, applied to the synthetic fibers. The integrated composite material is particularly suitable for use in personal care absorbent articles such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, training pants, absorbent underpants, and adult incontinence products.

Abstract: A fiber product of discontinuous fibers coated with a binder containing carboxyl groups and solid particles of superabsorbent material adhered to the fibers by the carboxyl group containing binder.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer monofilament oriented from 3.0-6.0 times its original length having a diameter of 125-600 microns and containing 0.2-5.0% by weight, based on the weight of the monofilament, of glitter particles or film particles having a particle size of 50-400 microns in its longest diameter, a thickness of 2-50 microns and having a diameter to thickness ratio of at least 2 to 1 and wherein the longest diameter of the particle is not greater than 80% of the diameter of the monofilament and that provide the monofilament with an attractive appearance. A core sheath monofilament is also part of this invention wherein the core is a thermoplastic polymer monofilament having a sheath of the same or different thermoplastic polymer containing the above described particles. These monofilaments are particularly useful in toothbrushes and cosmetic brushes.

Abstract: Fiber made of cellulose formate and fiber made of cellulose regenerated from cellulose formate. These fibers exhibit high tenacity and modulus properties, combined with improved values of elongation at break and of energy at break. Their elongation at break, in particular, is greater than 6%. Methods for producing these fibers. The fiber made of cellulose formate is obtained by spinning a liquid crystal solution of cellulose formate according to the so-called dry-jet-wet spinning method, the coagulation stage and the neutral washing stage which follow both being carried out in acetone. The fiber made of cellulose formate in a highly concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The spinning and regeneration methods can be employed in line and continuously. Reinforcing assemblies based on such fibers. Articles reinforced by such fibers or assemblies, these reinforced articles being in particular tires.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing improved regenerated cellulose fiber, by adding a crosslinking agent having two or more reactive functional groups in a molecule to a cellulose viscose solution and mixing, then extruding the viscose solution into a coagulation and regeneration bath, followed by applying a heat treatment, or followed by contacting obtained regenerated cellulose fiber with an aqueous solution of a crosslinking agent having two or more reactive functional groups in a molecule then applying a heat treatment.

Abstract: A powdered super absorbent polymer (SAP) has heretofore been used as a water retentive material for sanitary products, such as sanitary napkin, disposable diaper and incontinence pad. This water retentive material is used by being held between two paper sheets but the powdered SAP comes off easily from absorbent member. Moreover, even when the SAP is in a dried powdered state or in a water-absorbed gel state, it is moved between a top sheet and a back sheet in accordance with the movement of a wearer of the sanitary product. Consequently, water absorbency decreases with poor shape stability. Moreover, since the SAP in a water-absorbed gel state is sticky, the wearer feels unpleasant. According to the present invention, therefore, a cellulose fiber, such as a viscose rayon fiber containing uniformly a non-cellulose based material of high water absorbency such as polyacrylate salt is manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compositions comprising at least one aqueous polymer dispersion wherein the polymer has carbonyl or oxirane groups (component a)) and at least one compound with at least two NH2 groups per molecule as sealing or coating compositions, especially for substrates with a hydrophobic surface. The present invention further relates to coating compositions containing such binder formulations.

Abstract: The invention is lyocell fiber characterized by a pebbled surface as seen at high magnification and having a variable cross section and diameter along and between fibers. The fiber is produced by centrifugal spinning, meltblowing or its spunbonding variation. The fibers can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The fibers have inherently low gloss and can be formed into tight yarns for making fabrics of very soft hand. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed into self bonded nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A water-retentive sheet manufactured from a cellulose based fiber of high water-retentivity. The cellulose based fiber of high water rententivity includes a core formed from a component of non-cellulose based material of high absorbency uniformly contained in a cellulose fiber and a sheath formed around the core and formed from cellulose based fiber. The cellulose fiber can be viscose rayon and the non-cellulose based material of high absorbency can be polyacrylate salt.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition containing cellulose formate and a solvent system. The composition is a solution at a temperature of at least equal to a value Tf, while the composition is an elastic, thermoreversible gel at a temperature appreciably less than Tf. The present invention further describes a process for preparing a regenerated cellulose article by the transformation of this composition. The composition is then formed into a fiber or a film by gelation. The resulting regenerated cellulose fibers have excellent resistance to fibrillation, in particular wherein the fiber may be a monofilament fiber. These fibers or films may be used in textile applications or in technical applications, for example to reinforce other articles, such as tires.

Abstract: An enameling lacquer comprises a base first polymer and a copolymer which is compatible with said first polymer and which contains polymeric chains selected from polysiloxanes, fluorated chains and alkane chains. The lacquer is of particular application to an enameled wire comprising at least one layer of an enamel obtained by reticulation of the lacquer.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.). Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and wood fiber composite that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate or thermoplastic pellet to manufacture structural members. The polymer, the fiber or both can be modified to increase compatibility. The wood fiber composite structural members can be manufactured in an extrusion process or an injection molding process. The linear extrudate or pellet can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape, or can be a regular geometric. The pellet can have a cross-section shape having a volume of at least about 12 mm3. Preferably the pellet is a right cylindrical pellet having a minimum radius of about 1.5 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm weighing at least 14 mg. The invention also relates to an environmentally sensitive recycle of waste streams. The polymer and wood fiber composite contains an intentional recycle of a waste stream comprising polymer flakes or particles or wood fiber.

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: A water-retentive sheath manufactured from a cellulose based fiber of high water-retentivity. The cellulose based fiber of high water rententivity includes a component of a non-cellulose based material of high absorbency uniformly contained in a cellulose fiber and a single component of cellulose; and these two components are attached together side by side. The cellulose fiber can be viscose rayon and the non-cellulose based material of high absorbency can be polyacrylate salt.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to overcome the problem of fibrillation which is a drawback found in solvent-spun regenerated cellulosic fibers and to thereby provide high-quality regenerated cellulosic fibers. The regenerated cellulosic fibers are produced by the use of a spinning dope of cellulose dissolved in a solvent containing N-methylmorpholine N-oxide under the conditions that the average degree of polymerization of cellulose contained in the spinning dope is held to 400 or lower and 5% to 30% by weight of the cellulose is adjusted to a degree of polymerization of 500 or higher. Thus a pseudo-liquid-crystalline phenomenon can be allowed to occur in the stretched filaments during spinning, so that the resulting regenerated cellulosic fibers have improved resistance to fibrillation as well as improved dyeability and feeling.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing cellulose fibers or yarns with a reduced tendency to form fibrils includes treating fibers or yarns, which are washed after the filament forming process but not yet dried, with a cross-linking agent. The process includes treating the fibers or yarns with reactive polysiloxanes which are modified with amino, polyalkylene oxide, epoxy or carboxyl functional groups and which cross-link with themselves. The process is particularly suitable for fibers produced according to the NMMO process.