Abstract: A cellulose acylate which is a polymer obtained by substituting cellulose with acyl groups in 2-, 3-, 6-positions. The total degree of acyl substitution in the 2- and 3-positions is regulated to from 1.70 to 1.90. The degree of 6-position acyl substitution is regulated to 0.88 or higher.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a solid porous separation material based on a polysaccharide, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous solution (I) of a polysaccharide, (b) solidifying the solution, preferably by transforming the solution to a gel, and (c) optionally crosslinking the polysaccharide, with the proviso that, if step (c) is present, steps (b) and (c) may be carried out simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing plant material by adding water to form a mixture, heating the mixture, and separating a liquid component from a solid-comprising component. At least one of the liquid component and the solid-comprising component undergoes additional processing. Processing of the solid-comprising component produces oils, and processing of the liquid component produces one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention includes a process of forming glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol from plant matter by adding water, heating and filtering the plant matter. The filtrate containing starch, starch fragments, hemicellulose and fragments of hemicellulose is treated to form linear poly-alcohols which are then cleaved to produce one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention also includes a method of producing free and/or complexed sterols and stanols from plant material.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose ether is selected by judging whether the number of undissolved fibers having a size of 16–200 ?m is up to 350 fibers/2 ml in a 0.1 wt % aqueous solution of the cellulose ether at 25° C. This water-soluble cellulose ether forms an aqueous solution which can be filtered without clogging and can form a very thin film without defectives.

Abstract: A description is given of cellulose derivatives having gel-like rheological properties in aqueous solution characterized in that: a) cellulose is alkalized with aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution in the presence of a suspension medium, b) the alkalized cellulose is reacted with one or more alkylene oxides, c) then reacted with an alkyl halide present in the suspension medium d) subsequently or simultaneously the alkalized cellulose is reacted with a crosslinking agent in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.05 eq, where the unit “eq” represents the molar ratio of crosslinking agent relative to the anhydroglucose unit (AGU) of the cellulose used, and e) after, if appropriate, further addition of alkali metal hydroxide and/or alkylating agent, the resultant irreversibly crosslinked cellulose derivative is separated off from the reaction mixture, if appropriate purified and dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing cellulose comprising the steps of: (i) culturing filamentous fungus having the ability to produce cellulose; and (ii) recovering cellulose from a culture obtained by the step (i) and cellulose produced by filamentous fungi. The present invention provides technology to produce cellulose from filamentous fungi. Further, the present invention provides novel cellulose, which is produced by filamentous fungi and can be utilized as various industrial materials, additives, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer derived from a cellulosic, lignocellulosic, or polysaccharide material having superabsorbent properties. Methods for making the polymer and personal care absorbent products that incorporated the polymer are also provided.

Abstract: A water insoluble, biocompatible composition that is formed by a method which combines, in an aqueous mixture, a polyanionic polysaccharide, a nucleophile, and an activating agent, under conditions sufficient to form the composition. Also, a water insoluble, biocompatible composition that is formed by a method which combines, in an aqueous mixture, a polyanionic polysaccharide, a modifying compound, a nucleophile and an activating agent under conditions sufficient to form the composition.

Abstract: A cellulose ether that is predominantly substituted in the C3 position of the anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose is described. In an embodiment of the present invention, the partial degree of substitution in the C3 position of the cellulose ether is ?60%, based on the total degree of substitution.

Abstract: A process for preparing low-viscosity water-soluble cellulose ethers by the oxidative decomposition of higher-viscosity cellulose ethers with hydrogen peroxide is described. The process involves: (a) forming, under conditions of intensive mixing and at temperatures of 65-125° C., a mixture of, (i) one or more higher-viscosity cellulose ethers, and (ii) an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, the proportions of the mixture being selected in such a way that the hydrogen peroxide content is 0.1-10 wt. % in relation to the dry cellulose ether, the solids content of the mixture is at least 25 wt. % in relation to the total weight of the mixture; and (b) agitating continuously the mixture of step (a) at temperatures of 65-125° C. until at least approximately 90% of the hydrogen peroxide has been spent.

Abstract: Primary hydroxyl groups in a substrate having both primary and secondary hydroxyl groups can be selectively oxidized to carbaldehyde and/or carboxyl groups by contacting the substrate with a cyclic nitroxyl compound in the presence of a peroxosulfate as a co-oxidant and by carrying out the reaction at a temperature below 30° C. and at a pH below 9. The process is halogen-free and metal-free and is especially suitable for oxidizing polysaccharides.

Abstract: Process for the production of polysaccharide ethers, e.g. cellulose ethers, are disclosed wherein salts formed during the process, e.g., sodium nitrate or sodium acetate, are converted to their corresponding acids and bases by means of an electric current, preferably in combination with a bipolar membrane and suitable catiion and/or anion membranes. The acids and bases recovered from the process can be recycled, thereby avoiding the need to provide for disposal of salts.

Abstract: A film which slowly releases solids is prepared by dissolving cellulose in a solvent such as an alkali metal salt, for example L1Cl in a polar solvent such as DMAC, dispersing the solid in the solution and gelling the solution with water to form a film.

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.

Abstract: An annular fluid or packer fluid, and methods of making the same, that includes a water-miscible solvent, a viscosifying additive, a crosslinking agent, a crosslinking inhibitor having the facility to inhibit crosslinking between the viscosifying additive and the crosslinking agent, and an initiating agent having the facility to overcome an action of the crosslinking inhibitor and to initiate crosslinking between the viscosifying additive and the crosslinking agent, is shown and described. The fluid has a thermal conductivity of no more than about 0.25 btu/(hr·ft·° F.) and a potential to substantially increase its viscosity upon sitting for a selected period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods by which to subject cellulosic fibers to alkaline treatment are provided. The systems and methods of the invention include equipment, such as nanofiltration units and slurry concentrators, which result in a lowered overall consumption of alkaline solution during alkaline treatment. The systems and methods of the invention further allow the components of hemicaustic streams produced by such alkaline treatments to be utilized in higher value end uses.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having a molecular weight of at least 800, containing at least 5 aldehyde groups per molecule and at least 1 carboxyl group per molecule, the ratio of aldehyde groups to carboxyl groups being higher than 0.75:1, as a wet strength additive. The invention also discloses novel cationic derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Process for bulk autoclaving of polysaccharides, wherein the process includes: a) dissolving the polysaccharides in an aqueous solution and mixing until a homogeneous solution is obtained; b) filling the resulting solution in at least one container; c) placing the filled container(s) including the solution in an autoclave; d) placing a sensor in at least one of the containers; and e) autoclaving the filled containers.

Abstract: Disclosed are topical compositions, including methods of applying those compositions to absorb sweat and sebum from the skin, wherein the compositions comprise (A) fluid-absorbent solids having a Water Absorption Value of at least about 0.5 grams/gram; (B) an adhesive fluid; and (C) a liquid carrier; herein the composition has an Average Wear Index Value of at least about 60%. The topical compositions provide effective delivery and deposition of the fluid-absorbent solid onto the skin from an extended wear composition.

Abstract: Pulp is ground by means of a vertical roller mill. The average particle diameter of the resulting powdered pulp is adjusted to 20-300 ?m. The powdered pulp thus obtained is used as a starting material for the production of cellulose ethers.

Abstract: A method and a device for the continuous, single-step production of a homogenous solution of cellulose in hydrous aminoxides on the basis of cellulose and aqueous aminooxides, preferably N-methylmorpholino-N-oxide (NMMO), at temperatures in the range of from 50 to 130° C. under a vacuum and water evaporation. The cellulose and the NMMO are dosed separately to the device, mixed while sheared, the water is evaporated until the mixture is dissolved, the solution is homogenized and directly fed to the consumer via screw conveyors, pumps and filters.

Abstract: Polysaccharide aldehydes are prepared using selective oxidation involving the use of nitroxyl radical mediated aqueous oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and defined reaction conditions. These polysaccharide aldehyde derivatives having maximum effective aldehyde and minimal carboxylic acid levels making them especially useful as wet, temporary wet and dry strength additives for paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as fluids or microspheres. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Granulation of microcrystalline cellulose with a granulating fluid consisting of water and a water-miscible, volatile, polar organic solvent yields porous granules which are comprised of particles that are larger than the ungranulated microcrystalline cellulose. This granulated microcrystalline cellulose is capable of cushioning controlled release particles and barrier coated particles from the compression forces used in tableting, thereby maintaining the physical integrity of the components of the tablet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lyocell multi-filament for a tire cord and a method of producing the same. The method includes i) dissolving mixed powder of cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol in a mixed solvent of N-methyl morpholine N-oxide and water to prepare a dope, ii) extruding the dope using a spinning nozzle including orifices through air gaps into a conical upper coagulation bath to solidify the dope to produce a multi-filament, iii) feeding the multi-filament through a lower coagulation bath to a washing bath, and washing the multi-filament, and iv) drying and oiling the washed multi-filament and winding the resulting multi-filament. At this time, the orifices each have a diameter (D) of 100 to 300 ?m, a length (L) of 200 to 2400 ?m, and a ratio of the length to the diameter (L/D) of 2 to 8, and are spaced apart from each other at intervals of 2.0 to 5.0 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing polysaccharide fibres (8), wherein the polysaccharide is dissolved and the solution is sprayed into a bath (7) which contains a water-miscible organic solvent and a cross-linker. The invention also relates to a polysaccharide fibre (8) produced by the method, and to an absorbent article which includes the polysaccharide fibre (8).

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: A spherical cellulose material wherein the cellulose material is a water-insoluble polysaccharide formed by &bgr;-1,4-type sugar chain linkages, the degree of crystallinity is 70% or greater, and macrofibrils are formed radially from the center to the periphery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing reactive cellulose for use in the manufacture of cellulose acetate having superior clarity by mercerizing hardwood cellulosic material and reacting it with an hydroxyalkylating agent to a degree of molar substitution ranging from 0.04 to 0.15 per anhydroglucose unit in cellulose.

Abstract: This invention relates to free flowing fiber reinforcing material which includes a blend of flax bast fibers and flax shives with a specific distribution of particle sizes and aspect ratios, thermoplastic pellets which include such reinforcing fiber blend, thermoplastic composites which include such reinforcing fiber blend and method for making such pellets and composites.

Abstract: Cellulose solvents, cellulose compositions, and methods of making and using the same. For example, a cellulose composition including cellulose dissolved in the following solvent: an amine-based composition, provided however, the amine-based composition is not ammonia; and a salt selected from the group including a thiocyanate salt, a halide salt, and a nitrate salt. Representative amine-based compositions include hydrazine, hydrazine hydrate, and ethylenediamine.

Abstract: A new cellulose excipient suitable for use as a binder, filler, and/or disintegrant in the development of solid dosage forms and as a bodying agent or a drug carrier in the preparation of topical formulations is described. The cellulose excipient is formed by soaking a source of cellulose in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution. The cellulose is then regenerated, washed, and optionally hydrolyzed with a dilute mineral acid. The cellulose excipient is also useful as an aqueous dispersion in topical formulations and in the manufacture of cellulose beads.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing modified fluff pulp comprising treating cellulose pulp with a nitroxide-mediated oxidation method and fluffing the treated cellulose pulp. The invention further relates to the modified fluff pulp prepared therefrom and absorbent articles comprising the modified fluff pulp.

Abstract: Novel cellulose-producing bacteria including one capable of producing of a bacterial cellulose having a weight-average degree of polymerization in terms of polystyrene of 1.6×104 or above, one capable of producing a bacterial cellulose containing a small amount of the fraction with low degrees of polymerization, one producing a Bingham polysaccharide as a by-product, and one producing a small amount of water-soluble polysaccharide; a method for the production of bacterial cellulose, which comprises culturing these cellulose-producing bacteria; and bacterial cellulose thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of regenerated celluloses (RC) and (ORC) oxidized regenerated celluloses in the manufacture of scaffolds for drug delivery and tissue engineering. The RC and ORC are biodegradable and biocompatible. The carboxyl, aldehyde, or ketone groups present on the ORC scaffold serve as sites for cell, drug, protein and/or peptide attachment or further chemical modification to induce cell adhesion and subsequent proliferation. The method of manufacture of these membrane structures is simple, and produces flexible structures that maintain their strength when hydrated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a finishing process for cellulosic textiles which provides a textile having a desirable combination of inherent durable press properties, improved moisture content and improved wicking properties.

Abstract: In a new process for oxidizing a primary and/or secondary alcohol, an oxidizing agent is used in the presence of a di-tertiary-alkyl nitroxyl, in an aqueous reaction medium at a pH of below 7. The di-tertiary-alkyl nitroxyl is especially 4-hydroxy-TEMPO, and the process is particularly advantageous for oxidizing carbohydrates such as starch.

Abstract: Filters and methods for producing filter paper or paper-like nonwoven materially consisting partially or wholly of fibrous cellulose containing material. The filters provided are characterized by high filtration capacity and are capable of absorbing and binding undesirable foreign and attendant substances in the filter medium. The cellulose containing material of the is at least partially carbamided with urea and phosphorylated with phosphoric acid or ammonium phosphate until a nitrogen content in the form of carbamide groups of 1 to 4% and a phosphorous content of 3 to 8% are reached.

Abstract: This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 1 to 9 nm and a width of 250 to 1000 nm. The bacterial cellulose can be produced by culturing cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium containig a cell division inhibitor. The bacterial cellulose is modified from conventional bacterial cellulose in the major axis (width), and is improved in Young's modulus, etc.

Abstract: The invention makes available a method to introduce specific chemical groups onto the surface of any polymeric carbohydrate material to alter the physico-chemical properties of said material. In particular, the method comprises the controlled introduction of chemically-modified oligosaccharides into a carbohydrate polymer using a transglycosylating enzyme.

Abstract: A water-soluble or water-dispersible material for deposition onto a substrate during a treatment process, the material comprising: (i) a deposition enhancing part having a polymeric backbone; and (ii) a benefit agent attached to the deposition enhancing part by a hydrolytically stable bond; The material undergoes during the treatment process, a chemical change which does not involve the hydrolytically stable bond and by which change the affinity of the material onto the substrate is increased.

Abstract: A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose comprised of the steps of contacting a paper grade pulp with an alkali hydrolysis agent, washing the hydrolyzed pulp and contacting the hydrolyzed pulp with an acid hydrolysis agent and washing the acid hydrolyzed product.

Abstract: An adsorbent medium is prepared comprising particles of a sponge material made of cellulose or agarose carrying functional groups such as diethylaminoethane groups. The particles may be obtained by chopping a larger block of the sponge material. The medium preferably has a water retention value of greater than 6 ml/g and a particle size of 0.5 to 10 mm, and the sponge material may be cross-linked. The adsorbent medium is especially useful for purifying DNA in an aqueous sample.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing cellulose, in which a nitroxyl compound such as TEMPO is oxidized using an oxidizing agent in the presence of a complex of a transition metal such as Mn, Fe, Cu, and a complexing agent such as a polyamine, or an oxidative enzyme, and the resulting nitrosonium ion is used to selectively oxidize cellulose 6-hydroxy-methylene groups to carbaldehyde groups and carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate which is a polymer obtained by substituting cellulose with acyl groups in 2-, 3-, 6-positions. The total degree of acyl substitution in the 2- and 3-positions is regulated to from 1.70 to 1.90. The degree of 6-position acyl substitution is regulated to 0.88 or higher.

Abstract: Cellulose powder having an especially excellent balance among moldability, fluidity and disintegrating property is provided. Cellulose powder having an average polymerization degree of 150-450, an average L/D (the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis) value of particles of 75 &mgr;m or less of 2.0-4.5, an average particle size of 20-250 &mgr;m, an apparent specific volume of 4.0-7.0 cm3/g, an apparent tapping specific volume of 2.4-4.5 cm3/g, and an angle of repose of 55° or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulp useful for making lyocell fibers. The pulp has a degree of polymerization from about 300 to about 1000; an alpha cellulose content of less than about 90% and in one instance can be made in a roll form. The degree of polymerization can be modified by acid hydrolysis, steam explosion; or alkaline enzymate degradation.

Abstract: This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 160 to 1000 nm or a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 50 to 70 nm. The former bacterial cellulose can be produced by culturing cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium containing a cell division inhibitor, and the latter can be produced by culturing the bacterium in a culture medium containing an organic reducing agent. The bacterial cellulose is modified from conventional bacterial cellulose in the major axis, and is improved in Young's modulus, etc. This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 1 to 9 nm and a width of 160 to 1000 nm or a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 1 to 9 nm and a width of 50 to 70 nm.

Abstract: Cationized hydroxyalkylcelluloses, which are highly compatible with surfactants, are represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1, R2 and R3 represent a hydrogen atom or a group represented by the formula CH2CH2OCH2CH (OH) CH2N+(CH3)Cl−, etc.; and “n” is a number of from 50 to 2,000; which have a mobility distribution (&Dgr;U) determined by electrophoresis ranging from 0.1×105 10−5 to 2.0×105 10−5 cm2sec·V.