Abstract: Low density composite wood panels are manufactured from a feedstock comprising wood wool strands of high average slenderness ratio and high average aspect ratio, and low bulk density. The feedstock wool strands are blended with a resin binder typically in the range of 3 to 5 percent by weight and a hot wax in the range 1 to 2 percent by weight and formed into a mat. The mat is hot pressed with steam injection to effect curing of the resin. The low density panels may include on one or both of their major faces a wood veneer layer. The wood wool strands typically comprise wood of the aspen or jack pine species.

Abstract: A multilayer nonlinear dielectric optical structure is formed by coextruding at least two polymeric materials, components (a) and (b), using a multiplying element; the structure contains a plurality of alternating layers (A) and (B) represented by formula (AB)x, where x=2n, and n is the number of multiplying elements; at least one of the components (a) and (b) exhibits nonlinear optical response. These structures perform a variety of nonlinear optical functions including all-optical switching and passive optical limiting.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which has dyeability high enough to realize high-speed printing and low-energy printing, permits a protective layer to be thermally transferred onto an image formed on the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet, is free from heat fusing to a thermal transfer sheet at the time of image formation on the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet, and has satisfactory separability from the thermal transfer sheet.

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

Abstract: A decorative wrapping film for application to a three-dimensional substrate includes a biaxially-oriented polyester layer which has a first surface for adhering to a three-dimensional substrate and a second surface. A decorative layer is coated on the second surface of the polyester layer, and a protective layer is coated on the decorative layer.

Abstract: The lid structure for a food packaging container comprises a paper-based body layer and, on the side that is to be against the packaging container, plastic layers that function as a barrier and as heat-sealable layers. The lid structure comprises, as the plastic layers attached to the body layer, one or more layers of biodegradable plastic, such as polylactide and/or polyhydroxy alkanoate and on their outer side, the outermost layer, which is formed of biodegradable ester copolymer, to whose ester parts a comonomer has been linked by ester or amide bonds.

Abstract: A multilayer film has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises an additive, a binder, and a crosslinking agent. The additive is a flavor, fragrance, colorant, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, chelating agent, and/or odor absorbent. The binder is a polysaccharide and/or a protein. The crosslinking agent comprises a compound with at least two carbonyl groups. The second layer comprises a non-water-soluble thermoplastic polymer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene. Each of the additive, binder, and crosslinking agent are present throughout a thickness of the first layer. Preferably, the first layer is coated onto the second layer, which is preferably a non-water-soluble thermoplastic polymer, e.g., polyolefin, polyamide, and/or polyester.

Abstract: A deodorizing absorbent sheet having a water-insoluble deodorizer and an absorbent polymer which are embedded in a fiber web, wherein the absorbent polymer is fixed to the fibers making up the fiber web. The deodorizer is fixed inside the fiber web via the absorbent polymer. The deodorizer and absorbent polymer are substantially absent on the surface of the absorbent sheet.

Abstract: Low density composite wood panels are manufactured from a feedstock comprising wood wool strands of high average slenderness ratio and high average aspect ratio, and low bulk density. The feedstock wool strands are blended with a resin binder typically in the range of 3 to 5 percent by weight and a hot wax in the range 1 to 2 percent by weight and formed into a mat. The mat is hot pressed with steam injection to effect curing of the resin. The low density panels may include on one or both of their major faces a wood veneer layer. The wood wool strands typically comprise wood of the aspen or jack pine species.

Abstract: A heat-resistant multi-layer hose is described. The hose includes inner and outer elastomeric layers, and an intermediate reinforcing layer. The inner and outer layers each include a substantial fraction of ethylene-octene copolymer, and may include one or more compatible polymers such as EPDM, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, and chlorinated polyethylene. The use of relatively large amounts of ethylene-octene copolymer results in improved high heat resistance.

Abstract: A cellulose ether film is formed of a composition comprising a cellulose ether as a base in which some of the hydrogen atoms of cellulosic hydroxyl groups are replaced by alkyl groups and/or hydroxyalkyl groups, a gelling agent, and a gelling aid. The total content of alkoxyl and hydroxyalkoxyl groups in the cellulose ether is limited to 23-37.6% by weight, which is effective for preventing the gelling aid from precipitating out and maintaining a favorable outer appearance during long-term storage.

Abstract: Two types of synthetic resin are used with zephyrs 2 made from a wide range of bamboo canes from undried to dried. An appropriate amount of special thread 4 comprising a core thread 5 having a high melting point and a core-thread covering skin 6 having a low melting point are added to the zephyrs and kneaded together. When molding the kneaded material, it is heated to the temperature at which the skin starts to melt and pressed. Then the skin works as a binder that binds the zephyrs and the core thread. The core thread supplements the strength and the flexibility of the bamboo zephyr board.

Abstract: A method of forming a structural member from hemp hurd and the structural member produced which is substantially free of hemp bats fibers is made by providing hemp stalks which have been decorticated and hurd material is divided into hurd strands which are then mixed with a binder and then pressed into a structural member. The hemp hurd strands can be mixed with wood strands to form wood/hurd structural members.

Abstract: An aqueous fire resistance treatment composition consisting of water, sodium silicate, a calcined filler and a latent acid catalyst is disclosed. The composition may be applied to cardboard substrates such as corrugated cardboard. The composition is then cured to provide enhanced fire resistance.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a first wood component of substantially axially aligned wood chips having a first size range and being distributed throughout the composite material in a first discontinuous phase, a second wood component of wood particles having a second size range and being distributed between the wood chips in a second discontinuous phase, the second size range being distinct from the first size range and having substantially smaller values than the first size range, and a thermoplastic polymer component encapsulating the wood chips and the wood particles and forming a continuous phase extending throughout the composite material. The wood chips constitute from about 100 to about 0 weight percent of a total weight of the first and second wood components and the wood particles constitute from about 0 to about 100 weight percent of the total weight of the first and second wood components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer packaging comprising at least one cellulosic fibrous material substrate, and at least one polymeric film coated on the cellulosic substrate, where the polymeric film is made of at least one barrier layer comprising an olefin polymer, and at least one sealant layer comprising an amorphous polyamide, the sealant layer being a layer positioned so that it may contact the packaged product.

Abstract: A non-foil barrier laminate structure is provided that results in an improvement in shelf life performance of packaged food products over existing non-foil barrier laminates. Containers constructed from the barrier laminates of the invention can be hot filled or cold filled and can be stored at either ambient conditions or refrigerated conditions. The laminate structures have a polyamide layer for mechanical strength and thermal resistance; at least one EVOH layer as a barrier to oxygen ingress applied either in direct contact with the polyamide layer or separated therefrom by at least one tie layer; an optional second functional barrier layer positioned closer to the product's contact surface that may act as a barrier to oxygen, water vapor, flavor/aroma, or a combination; and layers of polyolefin on both the matte side (interior) and the gloss side (exterior) of the laminate for heat sealing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch ester having short- and long-chain acyl groups wherein hydrogens in reactive hydroxyl groups in the same starch molecule have been replaced by C2-4 short-chain acyl groups and C6-18 long-chain acyl groups. The degree of substitution by the short- and long-chain acyl groups are regulated so as to make the starch ester thermo-plasticized and moldable even in the absence of a plasticizer. Accordingly, the starch ester of the present invention can be used as a biodegradable thermoplastic plastic material which can be thermo-plasticized in the absence of a plasticizer.

Abstract: Cellulose is dissolved in an ionic liquid without derivatization, and is regenerated in a range of structural forms without requiring the use of harmful or volatile organic solvents. Cellulose solubility and the solution properties can be controlled by the selection of the ionic liquid constituents, with small cations and halide or pseudohalide anions favoring solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition comprising (i) a supporting medium, and (ii) a plurality of cellulose particles, having an average dry particle size of less than 10 &mgr;m, dispersed in the supporting medium, excluding aqueous coating compositions adapted for application to paper. The invention also relates to a coating composition comprising (i) a supporting medium, and (ii) a plurality of cellulose particles, having an average dry particle size of less than 10 &mgr;m, dispersed in the supporting medium in an amount of less than about 5 g/L. The coating compositions of the invention form coatings which have useful thermal properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry mixture, which comprises starch, biologically degradable fiber material, protein and, optionally, additives, for producing biologically degradable shaped bodies, and to a method for producing such a dry mixture. The invention additionally relates to a paste that can be baked, whereby this paste comprises starch, biologically degradable fiber material protein, water and, optionally, additives. Finally, the invention relates to shaped bodies that are produced by using said dry mixture or said paste that is capable of being baked.

Abstract: A glittering paint, not requiring formation of primer layer and/or clear top coat layer includes a coated film forming polymer, a glittering pigment comprising inorganic powder and a solvent, wherein the coated film forming polymer comprising a pigment carrying polymer, wherein the pigment carrying polymer has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 50,000 and a refractive index nD of at least 1.48 as measured by an Abbe refractometer, the coated film forming polymer has an entire weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 50,000, the inorganic powder has an aspect ration of particle length or diameter to particle thickness of at least 50, and the glittering pigment content (PWC) in the coated film is 15 wt % or less.

Abstract: A phenol resin-impregnated sheet formed by impregnating a porous resin sheet with a phenol resin having a degree of cure of from 70% to 95% is arranged on and lamininated to the surface of a carbon fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin sheet. The thickness of the phenol resin impregnated sheet is between 0.01 mm and 1.0 mm. A very even, strong and water-proof wood reinforcing material is obtained. The wood reinforcing material is intergrated and cured on the surface of the wood material by the phenol resin-impregnated sheet to reinforce wood material (single board or bonded board) to form a reinforced wood material. The wood reinforcing material adheres suitably with the wood material and does not cause environmental contamination.

Abstract: A veneer-based product is made of a plurality of veneer layers, a resin binding the layers, and a filler having a high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a durably hydrophilic, non-leaching coating. A carbohydrate-salt mixture is formed by at least partially dissolving a water insoluble carbohydrate in an aqueous salt solution to form a carbohydrate-salt complex. The carbohydrate-salt mixture is applied to a substrate, and the substrate is rinsed with a solvent to form a coating. The present invention is further directed to a substrate coated with the coating of the present invention and absorbent structures comprising the coated substrate.

Abstract: A method for not only preserving cellulose material from deterioration and from fire, but also for producing plywood, chip and particle aborad with an inexpensive and environmentally acceptable adhesive is described. The cellulose material is processed by spraying, immersing or being subjected to vacuum and pressure application in two steps. One step processes the cellulose material with a sodium silicate preservative solution. Another step processes the cellulose material with a gaseous carbon dioxide. Pressure application, moreover, can be varied in a range not to exceed 250 psi to improve product quality. Moistened cellulose material, treated in the foregoing manner, is coated with a comminuted protein, e.g. soybean meal, and pressed into a cellulose product, typically plywood and chip board.

Abstract: An aqueous fire resistance treatment composition consisting of water, sodium silicate, a calcined filler and a latent acid catalyst is disclosed. The composition may be applied to cardboard substrates such as corrugated cardboard. The composition is then cured to provide enhanced fire resistance.

Abstract: Films comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and destructured starch are disclosed. Laminates having a first layer comprising a PHA copolymer and a second layer comprising a PHA copolymer/starch blend or thermoplastic starch are also disclosed. Disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable films or laminates are also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification describes preserved solid wood or wood composites including a copper ammonium acetate complex wood preservative and a drying oil. The wood preservative is present in the wood in an amount effective to improve the resistance of the treated wood to at least one type of decomposition, such as decay or insect attack. The drying oil is present in the wood in an effective amount to accomplish at least one useful end, such as reducing the water absorption or thickness swell of the treated wood or increasing its mechanical strength, even in a wood composite made using less binding resin than usual. Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of making the treated wood from green wood in solid or flaked form. A copper ammonium acetate complex wood preservative and optionally a drying oil are added to the green wood.

Abstract: Paper for newspaper, having a basis weight of 35 to 45 g/m2, and whose average pure flexural stiffness in the widthwise direction is adjusted to a range of 1 to 11 &mgr;N·m2/m following humidity conditioning at 23° C., 50% RH, and whose pH value is 5 to 9.5 as measured per the cold extraction-based pH test method of paper as defined in JIS P8133, and which doesn't cause forming jamming and offers excellent printability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging laminate having one or more gas barrier layers of starch or starch derivative providing an oxygen gas barrier property of 50, preferably 30 cm3/m2 at 24 h, 1 atm (23° C., 50% RH) or better, said gas barrier layer having a dry coating weight no more than 7 g/m2. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a packaging laminate and to packaging containers manufactured from the packaging laminate.

Abstract: The cellulose acylate film has a lower degree of curling in water and is excellent in its processability, as a film suitable for manufacturing a polarizing plate. At least one portion of roll drying parts of a film manufacturing apparatus has a high-temperature drying zone where drying air having a temperature of 115° C. or more is blown on the film to dry thereof. In the high-temperature drying zone, the drying air is supplied by any of the methods as follows: (1) the drying air is blown on a substrate side of the film; (2) the drying air is blown on an air side of the film such that the drying air velocity becomes 3 m/s or less; and (3) the drying air is blown on both sides of the film. The film thus manufactured is provided with characteristics that a curvature radius of curling when the film is dipped in water at 25° C.

Abstract: Improved compositions for coating paper stock, methods of forming such compositions, and methods of coating paper stock with those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion including therein from about 20-45% by weight filler (e.g., a starch such as wheat starch) and from about 6-18% by weight wheat gluten. Preferably, the gluten is initially modified with a reducing agent so that the average molecular weight of the gluten is less than about 1,000 kDa. The compositions have a viscosity of up to about 2000 cP and a solids content of from about 25-57% by weight, thus making them suitable for high speed coating of paper stock. The finished, coated stock may be conventionally printed to achieve high gloss end products. The compositions are preferably water soluble, thereby greatly facilitating repulping of the coated stock.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing chitin films and novel chitin films produced by the method of the invention. In the invention, chitin solution is coagulated to form a gel which is then pressed to form a film. The film, still under press is further processed to remove residual solvent and the film is then washed. An absorbent-matrix may be introduced into the chitin solution to form a swellable film and the invention also provides a method of preparing an absorbent-matrix by mixing two or more polymer solutions to form a precipitate, dispersion or coacervate which is then isolated and dried to form the absorbent matrix.

Abstract: The adsorption of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) from aqueous solution to hydrophobic solid-phase objects with varying chemical compositions, sizes, and geometries, is assessed as a new approach for surface modification. The effects of PVOH concentration, adsorption kinetics, PVOH molecular weight, adsorption temperature, solution ionic strength and stepwise deposition on wettability and adsorbed amounts were analyzed by water contact angle and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. PVOH adsorbs to solids significantly different than do other molecules. A much larger adsorbed amount and more dramatic improvement of wettability occurs compared to other molecules. The low solubility of PVOH, the strong tendency for it to crystallize at the solid/water interface and stabilization of the PVOH film by inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding give additional driving forces for adsorption.

Abstract: A release agent for use in formation of a lignocellulosic composite product is provided. The release agent comprising at least one fatty acid. The release agent is capable of substantially preventing a mat comprising a lignocellulosic material and an adhesive bonding agent, formed within the confines of a formation area, from adhering to said formation area, when said release agent is introduced into said formation area. The release agent is also capable of substantially reducing deposits of either adhesive bonding agent or release agent which can accumulate in the formation area.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for improving the quality of images printed on a substrate. The novel image-enhancing compositions contain as an image-enhancing agent (a) an azetidinium polymer, (b) a guanidine polymer, (c) a mixture of an azetidinium polymer and a guanidine polymer, or (d) a copolymer of an azetidinium monomer and a guanidine monomer. When applied to a substrate, the compositions provide for high quality printed images when the treated substrate is printed on with an ink containing a reactive dye capable of reacting with the image-enhancing agent. Images printed on a substrate treated with the image-enhancing compositions of the invention are water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), bleed-resistant, rub-resistant, and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: Aqueous melamine resin dispersions comprise as discontinuous phase a melamine resin stabilized with a combination of a cationic protective colloid and an anionic protective colloid.

Abstract: A sugar/additive blend useful as a binder or impregnant for carbon products. Simple sugars as well as sucrose are combined either in solution or in solid form with reactive additives such as ammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonium chloride and para-toluene sulfuric acid. The sugar/additive blends form more and denser carbon residue than sugar alone when subjected to pyrolysis.

Abstract: A hog fuel board is made by placing a hog fuel mat including an ammonium chloride catalyst with flexible non-sticking layers on outside surfaces between screens in a preheated platen press and pressing the mat to preset stops and for a predetermined time and pressure to cause adhesives naturally present in the hog fuel to disperse throughout the board. The presence of ammonium chloride as a catalyst uniformly distributed through the hog fuel mat significantly lowers the temperature required at the heating press platens to form a board which also has improved properties. There is also described a hog fuel veneer board with a hog fuel mat sandwiched between veneer sheets and a lumber product with a hog fuel coating thereon. These additional products are both formed using the ammonium chloride catalyst to reduce press temperatures and create a product with improved properties, particularly, internal bond strength.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the sizing of paper, to enhance the quality of images printed thereon. The novel sizing compositions contain as a sizing agent: (a) an azetidinium polymer, (b) a guanidine polymer, (c) a mixture of an azetidinium polymer and a guanidine polymer, or (d) a copolymer of an azetidinium monomer and a guanidine monomer. When applied to a paper substrate, such as in an internal or external sizing process, the sizing compositions result in a sized paper substrate that provides high quality printed images when printed with an ink containing a reactive dye having ionizable and/or nucleophilic groups capable of reacting with the sizing agent. Images printed on a paper substrate coated with the sizing compositions of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: A method for not only preserving cellulose material from deterioration and from fire, but also for producing plywood, chip and particle aborad with an inexpensive and environmentally acceptable adhesive is described. The cellulose material is processed by spraying, immersing or being subjected to vacuum and pressure application in two steps. One step processes the cellulose material with a sodium silicate preservative solution. Another step processes the cellulose material with a gaseous carbon dioxide. Pressure application, moreover, can be varied in a range not to exceed 250 psi to improve product quality. Moistened cellulose material, treated in the foregoing manner, is coated with a comminuted protein, e.g. soybean meal, and pressed into a cellulose product, typically plywood and chip board.

Abstract: Paper or paperboard laminate composed of at least one bulk-promoting layer, here termed the bulk layer, and on at least one side at the bulk layer at least one secondary layer, secondary layer and bulk layer being joined to one another directly or indirectly over basically the whole of their surfaces facing one another, 40-95% of the bulk layer consists of cellulose fibers with a freeness of 550-950 ml CSF, the secondary layer/layers has/have a greater density than the bulk layer, and the laminate has a bending stiffness index higher than 2.5 Nm7/kg3, but less than 14 Nm7/kg3, calculated as a geometric mean value for machine and transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bisbenzophenones and the use thereof as an ultraviolet light absorber. The presently claimed compounds are particularly useful, either alone or in combination with other additives, including other ultraviolet light absorbers, antioxidants and stabilizers, in stabilizing polymers and other materials from degradation by environmental forces such as actinic radiation (ultraviolet light), oxidation, moisture, atmospheric pollutants and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the manufacture of a packaging material (1; 21) for the production of packaging blanks and packages and comprising the steps of providing at least on surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) in the form of a continuous material web and substantially consisting of cellulosic fibres and applying a distance layer (3; 23) comprising a matrix material and reinforcement fibres thereto so that said surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) is bonded to said distance layer (3; 23). The matrix material in the distance layer (3; 23) is in an expandable state when it is applied to the surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) and is expanded in a separate process step, subsequent to the application step. The invention also concerns expandable packaging materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, preferably disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise a chitosan material and an anionic absorbent gelling material. Such disposable absorbent articles deliver improved odor control performance and improved fluid handling properties/absorption performance, especially in case of electrolytes-containing fluids like menses.

Abstract: A biodegradable, compostable, liquid-impermeable lined paper bag for containing wet wastes. All adhesives used in the process are cold glues applied without using heat, through an extrusion and/or metering application means. Cellulose film is used for the paper liner and dot matrix configuration of adhesive is applied between the cellulose and paper layers for lamination. The matrix-defined size of spacings between the points of application of adhesive on the cellulose film are preselected to permit passage of water vapour and oxygen through the cellulose-laminated paper and reduce stress points on the cellulose film. A second cold glue is applied to the bag bottom section by a matrix of extrusion adhesive guns via a programmable controller to predetermined areas of the bag bottom section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which modify the surface adhesion properties of a surface such as, tableware, cutting board, sinks and food preparation areas, generally

Abstract: A system of compression molding a synthetic wood formulation into a commercially useable synthetic wood component is described. Surprising results are achieved when the dry formulation is placed under heat and pressure. Many different components may be made using the present invention, such as by example, wood-like trim components for the housing construction industry.

Abstract: A multi-layer film includes a structural layer of water-soluble film, and a barrier layer. The barrier layer is affixed to spaced apart discrete areas of the structural layer. The barrier layer has insufficient structural integrity and strength to contain a bag's contents once the structural layer has been dissolved. A bag is formed by overlapping areas of the multi-layer film which do not include the barrier layer, and sealing the overlapping areas to one another.