Abstract: The invention relates to a foam element with a hydrophilic substance incorporated in the foam in the form of cellulose of the structure type based on the crystal modification of cellulose-II, and the foam element incorporating the cellulose has a reversible capacity to absorb moisture. A proportion of the cellulose is between 0.1% by weight and 10% by weight. A value of the foam moisture corresponding to an equilibrium moisture in a first ambient atmosphere is increased during use in a second ambient atmosphere. The moisture absorbed by the cellulose II after use evaporates again within a period of between 1 hour and 16 hours until the initial value of the foam moisture corresponding to the equilibrium moisture by reference to the ambient first atmosphere is restored.

Abstract: Cellulose fibers having particles attached thereto, the particles comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose, a starch, and a plurality of non-permanent metal crosslinks. The non-permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks include multi-valent metal ion crosslinks formed with one or more metal ions selected from aluminum, boron, bismuth, titanium, and zirconium ions.

Abstract: An absorbent product for feminine protection comprising a mixture of a cationic polysaccharide and a hydrophilic carrier matrix, wherein the cationic polysaccharide is a water-based cationic polysaccharide, and/or has a degree of cationization of less than 3% by weight.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer composite including superabsorbent polymers and cellulosic nanofibrils having a diameter equal to or less than 100 nm. The composite may be in the form of particles or a foam. Methods for producing the composite and absorbent articles including the superabsorbent polymer composite are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to particles comprising carboxyalkyl starch that are permeated with an acidic gas and their uses as absorbent materials. It was discovered that superabsorbent materials could be obtained from carboxyalkyl starch particles permeated with the acidic gas and heated to a temperature of at least 100° C. until they reach an AUL at 0.7 psi. of at least 14 g/g and a CRC of at least 18 g/g. Moreover, it was discovered that the pH of alkaline starch extrudates can be adjusted by permeating particles of the extrudate with the acidic gas even with treating the particles to temperatures less than 100° C. The carboxyalkyl starch particles obtained by the methods described herein are characterized as having intramolecular ester bonds, which are greater in number at the surface of the particle than in the core, and the particles have a greater concentration of cation of the acidic gas at the surface than a the core.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorbent media for use in adsorption systems and a method of making the same. The media includes a relatively thin support layer such as paper, an adsorbent such as a zeolite and non-activated pitch-based carbon fibers. The relatively thin layer, porous media provides the advantages of faster mass flow. Because the pitch-based carbon fibers are not activated, they retain their high thermal conductivity and, therefore, provide for fast and efficient heat diffusion through the media.

Abstract: A hazardous substance adsorbing tablet prepared by direct compression of a dry powder mixture which includes a porous particulate adsorbent having an average particle diameter of 100 ?m or less and containing 200 mesh pass particles in an amount of more than 80% by weight, and a particulate binder having an apparent specific gravity of at least 1.

Abstract: A multipurpose pellet is provided comprising: from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight of a vegetable fiber chosen from cotton, bamboo fiber, rice fiber, esparto, papaya, coir, sisal, kapok, jute, ramie, flax, roselle hemp, hemp, kenaf, abaca, soybean fiber, okra fiber, vine fiber, banana fiber, rattan and nettlesjute; and from about 99.9% to about 0% by weight of cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic, gel forming, guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I, their use as absorbent materials, and to processes for producing same: Formula I wherein Z1, Z2, and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, substituted C1-C10 alkyl, C5-C7 cycloalkyl, and benzyl; and m is an integer ranging from 1 to 2,000,000. The absorbent guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I have absorbent properties suitable for use in personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the manufacture of solid regenerated viscose fibres, comprising the steps of: —spinning a viscose spinning dope through a spinneret comprising spinning holes into a regenerating bath thereby forming filaments, —said viscose spinning dope having an alkali ratio immediately before spinning of from 0.7 to 1.0, preferably from 0.8 to 0.9, —at least part of said spinning holes having a circular orifice, —said regenerating bath containing—from 70 to 120 g/l, preferably 90 to 110 g/l sulfuric acid, —from 240 to 380 g/l, preferably 330 to 370 g/l sodium sulphate, —form 20 to 50 g/l, preferably 25 to 35 g/l zinc sulphate and said regenerating bath having a temperature of from 45 to 55° C., preferably 48 to 50° C.

Abstract: Personal care products are provided. An exemplary personal care product includes a composition that is applied to the body or clothing, or an article applied against the body; a plurality of particles associated with the composition or a component of the article, the plurality of particles, at least some of the plurality of particles comprising a cyclodextrin complexing material and a first fragrance material, wherein the percent of the first fragrance material that is complexed with the cyclodextrin is greater than about 90%, so that the perceptibility of the first fragrance is minimized prior to its release; and a second fragrance material that is not complexed with the cyclodextrin and that is different from the first fragrance material, wherein the composition or article does not contain an antiperspirant active.

Abstract: Personal care products are provided. An exemplary personal care product includes a composition that is applied to the body or clothing, or an article applied against the body; a plurality of particles associated with the composition or a component of the article, the plurality of particles, at least some of the plurality of particles comprising a cyclodextrin complexing material and a first fragrance material, wherein the percent of the first fragrance material that is complexed with the cyclodextrin is greater than about 90%, so that the perceptibility of the first fragrance is minimized prior to its release; and a second fragrance material that is not complexed with the cyclodextrin and that is different from the first fragrance material, wherein the composition or article does not contain an antiperspirant active.

Abstract: A dry product that permanently removes oil and oil stains from liquid or dry surfaces and is environmentally safe. The dry product is formed by mixing efficacious proportions of untreated amorphous silica with a dry, inert organic, inorganic or synthetic carrier, or combinations of said carriers. Suitable inert carriers include, but are not limited to, (a) inert inorganic carriers including, but not limited to, clays, perlite, vermiculite, crushed glass, volcanic ash and sand; (b) inert organic carriers, including, but not limited to, peat moss, straw, hay, sawdust, ground corncobs, flours, and coconut coir, and (c) inert synthetic carriers, including, but not limited to, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. The dry product can be applied directly to oil stains either on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt, or to oil spills on water.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an adsorbent and exemplary protocols for extracting nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, from complex matrices, such as stool samples and water samples. The adsorbent is activated charcoal coated with a material such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextran, or coconut flours. The adsorbent may be used in microcentrifuge spin columns, where it may be present as a slurry in a storage solution. The sample may be prepared by vortexing in a buffer solution, centrifuging, adding a protease to the supernatant, and passing the supernatant through a microcentrifuge spin column containing coated activated charcoal. The key components, including buffer, protease, and spin columns, may be packaged in a kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel chromatography stationary phases comprising non-polysaccharide carbohydrate polyethers and methods for their preparation. Particularly, the invention relates to chromatography stationary phases comprising said carbohydrate polyethers and more particularly to chiral stationary phases. Also, since the carbohydrate polyethers of the present invention can be conveniently prepared with controlled functionality, molecular weights and polydispersity indices as well as controlled microstructure, tertiary structure stationary phases prepared from these polymers can be conveniently modified or custom synthesized to accommodate specific separation requirements.

Abstract: A sorbent for carbon dioxide is made by combining a strong alkaline material with an acidic material, and an adhesive medium. The components are mixed together, cut into pieces, and sieved. The resulting composition absorbs carbon dioxide from a gas stream, and can be regenerated by the application of steam. In the preferred embodiment, the alkaline material is calcium hydroxide, and the acidic material is potassium bisulfate. The ratio of the weight of the alkaline material to that of the acidic material, before mixing of the components, is preferably in the range of about 9-20.

Abstract: An organic absorbent product is derived from beetle-killed lodge-pole pine trees only that are made into grist, then dried, moisturized, pelletized, and ground to form fractured portions (e.g. fractured pellets or fines) of beetle-killed lodge pole pine, and a method for making the same and their usage. The absorbent product may be used to absorb and remediate various substances including, for example, petroleum hydrocarbons, a diesel range organic, a gasoline range organic, a fracturing fluid, a metal, an acid, an alkali, and animal urine. Such substances may be located in various areas such as, for example, in contaminated soils, spilled on floors or other surfaces, on the surface of water, or in drain sumps.

Abstract: A molded oxygen absorbent composition and a process of producing the molded oxygen absorbent composition are disclosed. The molded oxygen absorbent composition is composed of a molded product of an oxygen absorbent composition which contains an oxygen absorbing substance, water or moisture, and a swelling component capable of being swelled with water or moisture. The product is formed by pressure molding the composition. The molded oxygen absorbent composition is reduced in its size and excellent in oxygen absorbing property.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an absorbent material with powdered activated carbon which is substantially light-colored without using color masking agents or hiding. This invention addresses the need in the field for an absorbent material with improved odor-controlling properties, that maintains such properties for longer periods of time and where the absorbent material maintains a light-colored appearance without the addition of color-masking agents. Suitable methods for creating the absorbent materials include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a pan agglomeration process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a dry blending process, a spray coating process, an extrusion process, a pelletizing process and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable material for controlling ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, odor, and/or volatile organic compounds emissions from organic wastes. The biodegradable material in accordance with the present invention may be used to control, reduce, or prevent noxious emissions from organic wastes from, for example, animals and animal production, food and food production, pets, composting, organic fertilizer, biosolids, and potting soil mixtures to name a few. The present invention also relates to sachets, bioscrubbers, biofilters, and biomass filters comprising a biodegradable material for controlling such emissions. The present invention further relates to processes for producing and processes for using a biodegradable material to control noxious emissions from organic waste. In particular, the present invention is useful with respect to managing animal wastes, including, for example, pet, poultry, swine, dairy, horse, other livestock, other animal, and human wastes.

Abstract: A composite sorbent material is disclosed which comprises A) a housing of a dense, insoluble material having openings therein and B) a porous polymer gel housed within said housing, said housing being provided with openings therein for fluid communication between said porous monolithic polymer gel and the surroundings, and said porous monolithic polymer gel occupying the inner space of said housing and being kept on place within said housing by mechanical means. Processes for the preparation of composite sorbent materials by cryoprecipitation are also disclosed as well as the use of the composite sorbent material according to the invention e.g. for the removal of pollutants from gases or liquids, for the enrichment or separation of molecules and for cell culture.

Abstract: A separating agent which combines a high optical resolving power inherent in polysaccharide derivatives with sufficient solvent resistance and a method with which the separating agent can be produced efficiently in short steps. The separating agent for enantiomeric isomers is characterized in that a polymerizable polysaccharide derivative of a polysaccharide derivative having polymerizable functional groups and a polymerizable monomer having polymerizable unsaturated groups are copolymerized with a carrier having polymerizable functional groups to be chemically bound mutually. The separating agent is preferably used for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and has an excellent solvent resistance.

Abstract: This invention provides a separating agent for optical isomers, which has high asymmetry recognition ability and can be used particularly at a high flow rate when used for the separation of the optical isomers, and a separation column for optical isomers having the same. This invention provides: a separating agent for optical isomers which is used for separation of optical isomers in a sample comprising the optical isomers, which is comprising a monolithic inorganic type carrier having a meso pore formed on an inner wall surface of a specific macropore, and a polysaccharide or a polysaccharide derivative supported on the monolithic inorganic type carrier, wherein the meso pore has a pore size of 6 to 100 nm; and a separation column for optical isomers in which the separating agent for optical isomers is held in a column tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a quickly wettable material containing natural hydrocolloid in the form of a shaped body, in which a material containing natural hydrocolloid in the form of a shaped body is exposed to a plasma.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, panty diaper, sanitary napkin or incontinence device includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the liquid-permeable topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a peroxy compound and an organic zinc salt, in particular zinc ricinoleate. The combination of organic zinc salt and peroxy compound exerts a synergetic effect in the suppression of malodours, such as ammonia.

Abstract: An agglomerate for use in economical bulk treatment of contaminated sediments with minimal environmental impact is formed from a sorbent, bentonite clay and sand. The agglomerate has sufficient density so as to sink through a water column into sediment below the water column and is still sufficiently light as to be capable of mixing with the sediment when subjected only to bioturbation. The agglomerate can be formed into pellets and applied to a water column over contaminated sediment by broadcast methods, so as to permit economical remediation of contaminated sediment with negligible environmental impact.

Abstract: Highly cohesive composite materials, formed of at least one polymer and at least one compound selected from among the mineral oxides, silicoaluminates and activated carbon, have: a number median particle size of at least 150 ?m; a pore volume (Vd1), constituted of pores of diameter ranging from 3.6 to 1000 nm, of at least 0.4 cm3/g; and a cohesion index CIN, equal to the ratio (number median particle size after an air pressure stress of 4 bar)/(number median particle size without air pressure stress (0 bar)), greater than 0.40. Such composite materials are useful, e.g., as liquid supports, catalyst supports, additives or for liquid or gas filtration, in particular in cigarette filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing spherical, non-fibrillar cellulose particles with a particle size in the range of from about 1 ?m to about 400 ?m from a solution of cellulose in which the solution is cooled down to below its solidification temperature wherein it is flowing freely, the solvent is washed out, the solidified cellulose solution is disintegrated to form cellulose powder comprising particles, and the disintegrated and washed out particles are dried. The invention also relates to the cellulose powder and particles made in accordance with the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.

Abstract: A Chromatography medium having the properties of high virus adsorption and high fluidity, and a method for producing a virus vaccine using these are provided. The Chromatography medium is formed by binding a sulfated polysaccharide to porous particles having an exclusion limit molecular weight of 6000 Da or less when pure water is used as mobile phase and standard polyethylene glycol is used and an average particle size in the range of 30-200 ?m.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lignin sorbent, a lignin removal unit, a biorefinery, a process for removing lignin, a process for binding lignin, and a renewable material. The lignin sorbent includes a substrate, and a lignin binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate. The lignin binding process includes the step of adding a lignin binding material to an input stream, and the step of converting the input stream into a renewable material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boron adsorbent having an excellent adsorbing ability against boron contained in a solution, which is inexpensive and has high general versatility. Also disclosed is a boron removal method which can remove boron efficiently in a simple manner. An amide derivative represented by the general formula (1) is added to a boron-containing water under alkaline conditions to cause the adsorption of boron to the amide derivative. Then, a cation source having two or more valencies is added to the water to cause the aggregation of the amide body. The aggregated amide body is removed from the water. In the general formula (1), m represents 1 or 2; X represents —CH2OH, —CHO or —COOH; n represents an integer of 2 to 5; X are independent from each other and n are independent from each other when m represents 2; and Y represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 6 to 16 carbon atoms when m is 1, and represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms when m is 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous-liquid-absorbing agent which comprises water-absorbent resin particles as essential components and is suitable for uses in sanitary materials. The aqueous-liquid-absorbing agent according to the present invention is an aqueous-liquid-absorbing agent comprising water-absorbent resin particles as essential components, wherein the water-absorbent resin particles are obtained by a process including the step of polymerizing a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a carboxyl group, and have a crosslinked structure in their inside, the aqueous-liquid-absorbing agent exhibiting a water absorption capacity (CRC) of 5 to 25 g/g and a saline flow conductivity (SFC) of not less than 1216 cm3·s·10?7/g.

Abstract: A desulfurizer containing at least a composition of a highly concentrated amorphous iron oxide hydroxide as the active ingredient. A method for preparing a composition containing at least a highly concentrated amorphous iron oxide hydroxide. A method for regenerating the desulfurizer. The desulfurizer contains at least the composition of a highly concentrated amorphous iron oxide hydroxide as the active ingredient and a binder. The composition and the desulfurizer have a high sulfur capacity and can be regenerated. This saves resources and reduces environmental pollution. The method for regenerating the desulfurizer includes at least the following steps: a) mixing a solid soluble ferrous salt with a solid hydroxide, b) kneading the mixture and allowing it to react at temperatures not exceeding 90° C., c) drying in air, d) washing with water and filtering to yield a solid, and e) drying naturally or roasting the solid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adsorbent for separating carbon monoxide from a gas mixture including hydrogen gas and a method of preparing the same. The adsorbent for selectively separating monoxide includes a solid material, which is a solid support impregnated and dispersed with a cuprous salt by bringing the solid support into contact with a cuprous salt solution stabilized by dissolving a cuprous salt or a cuprous salt mixture in a solvent. The adsorbent is advantageous in that the selectivity for carbon monoxide is improved, so that the amount of carbon monoxide included in the gas mixture is decreased to infinitesimal quantities, thereby producing high-purity hydrogen products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers which exhibits high optical resolving power together with solvent resistance. That is, the present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers including a polysaccharide derivative such as a carbamate derivative or ester derivative of cellulose or amylose carried on a porous carrier such as silica gel, in which the porous carrier having an epoxy group and part of the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide derivative are chemically bonded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination used for absorbing toxins in feed, comprising 1-10% by weight of clay and 90-99% by weight of yeast manna oligosaccharide, wherein the yeast manna oligosaccharide is extract of yeast cell wall which is separated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The biotoxin sorbent product can be used to feed any animals, including livestock, fowls, marine lives and ruminants. When mixing with feed, owing to its strong toxin adsorption capability, this absorbent may reduce the amount of toxins entering bodies of animals, thereby improving productivity and health of animals, reducing diseases caused by toxins.

Abstract: Mycotoxins prevailing in Northern climates have been until now proven difficult to deactivate in animal feed by binding, in contrast to mycotoxins prevailing in the Southern climates. Meanwhile, both types of toxins present a considerable risk factor for agricultural animal health and performance. A method of adsorbing and rendering harmless for animals an expanded range of both Northern and Southern mycotoxins found in contaminated feed is proposed. According to the invention, a combination of modified plant ligno-polysaccharide material and traditional mycotoxin binding components is added to the feed of agricultural and companion animals in an amount sufficient to abate the negative effects of both types of mycotoxins present.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for containing a spill of petroleum product. The system includes a combination of ground rubber, beeswax, and ground corn cobs, which is then tossed into an area of a spill, then allowed to remain for a period until a substantial amount of the spilt petrol is adsorbed. Once this period expires, the adsorbed combination can be removed.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a filter medium for filtering aqueous solutions, particularly water for human and animal consumption. The medium may be employed in a great variety of filters of various sizes and constructions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to shaped composite adsorbent material, comprising particulate activated carbon material, bound by a suitable binder, preferably selected from the group of sodium alginate calcium alginate, chitosan, polyacrylamide, poly-ethylene oxide and mixtures thereof, more in particular a combination of chitosan and alginate, whereby the activation of the carbon material has taken place before binding the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers, which has an excellent ability to identify asymmetry. That is, the present invention relates to a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers which includes as an effective component a polysaccharide derivative having a bicyclic or more structure having an aromatic, alicyclic, or heterocyclic ring.

Abstract: A method of producing a multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon is provided herein by preparing a solution comprising a polymer precursor, mixing an additional material with the polymer precursor in the solution, cross-linking the polymer precursor with the additional material mixed therein, carbonizing the mixture of the polymer precursor and the additional material, and activating the carbonized mixture to form a multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon. The multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon can include pores less than 20 ? and greater than 30 ? or 500 ? depending upon the sorption properties desired, wherein the pore distribution of the activated carbon can be tailored to provide predetermined kinetics and/or gaseous constituent equilibrium isotherms.

Abstract: A process for producing a polysaccharide superabsorbent particulate including the process steps of bringing into contact a polysaccharide with a polyphosphate or a polyphosphoric acid as crosslinking agent in the presence of water to form a polysaccharide gel drying the polysaccharide gel, comminuting the dried polysaccharide gel to form polysaccharide superabsorbent polymer particles, coating the particles with a polyphosphate or polyphosphoric acid, crosslinking the coated particles, and surface treating the particulate with a metal multivalent salt or an acid. The invention further relates to a polysaccharide superabsorbent polymer particulate obtainable by this process, a water-absorbent polysaccharide, a composite, a process for producing a composite, a composite produced by this process, the use of the polysaccharide superabsorbent particulates or of the composites as well as the use of polyphosphates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers exhibiting high separation power. That is, the present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers including, as an active ingredient, a polysaccharide derivative having at least part of hydrogen atoms of hydroxyl groups of a polysaccharide such as cellulose or amylose substituted by at least one of atomic groups represented by the following general formulae (I) and (II): (in the formulae, R represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, or a linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic group).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asymmetric chromatography media suitable for separations applications, particularly as packed bed, fluidized bed or magnetized bed chromatography media. In certain embodiments, the asymmetric chromatography media comprises asymmetric particles, preferably beads, having at least two distinct, controlled pore size distributions. Preferably one of the distinct pore size distributions is in an internal region of the particle, and the other is in an external region or coating on the particle. These distinct pore size distributions can be modified with uniform or alternatively unique functional groups or mixtures of functional groups. The present invention allows for the control over pore size distribution within an asymmetric porous particle by providing a distinct internal region, preferably in the form of a bead, and a distinct external region, preferably in the form of a coating on the bead.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorbent having a porous carrier structure, the pore walls of which are coated with a material which displays a temperature-induced reversible switching-over of the surface properties from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behaviour, the hydrophobicity increasing with rising temperature.

Abstract: A composite structure mainly composed of hydratable fine fibers in the form of microfibril and a water swellable solid body, the fibers being obtained from cellulose or derivatives thereof, and at least part of the surface of the solid body is covered with the fine fibers. The absorbent composite can be formed in various form of, for example, particle, pellet, sheet and the like, especially of a sheet type with a supporting sheet of a non-woven fabric. The present invention further provides a method of making the composite structure.

Abstract: An absorbent adapted to be used in a spray can charged with a liquefied gas, which exhibits excellent absorbing performance and excellent liquid retention. The absorbent is composed of an assembly of pulverized cellulose fibers that includes at least 45 mass % of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less. The absorbent is formed into a sheet-shaped or a columnar configuration, or a surface sheet is laminated on a surface of the absorbent. The absorbent composed of 70 through 90 mass % of cellulose fibers that include 45 mass % or more of fine cellulose fibers having a fiber length of 0.35 mm or less, and 5 through 30 mass % of a fusion-bondable resin exhibits good formability.

Abstract: Absorbent boronate-galactomannan complexes comprising a hydrophobic group are disclosed. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are solid materials capable of gel forming upon contacting with liquids. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are particularly suitable for absorbing liquids.