Abstract: Techniques for chemically recycling cellulose waste such as cotton are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes hydrolyzing a cotton waste and dissolving cellulose in the hydrolyzed cotton waste in an aqueous solution containing an alkali and one or more of urea ((NH2)2CO), polyethylene glycol, or thiourea (SC(NH2)2) to produce another aqueous solution containing dissolved cellulose. Then the another aqueous solution containing the dissolved cellulose can be extruded into a coagulation bath to coalesce the dissolved cellulose in the extruded solution, thereby reforming the dissolved cellulose from the cotton waste into a regenerated fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for processing cotton containing textile waste that include alkaline pretreatment at freezing temperatures and a regeneration process. The method enhances cellulose digestion of the cotton to glucose and produces a solution containing glucose. In some aspects of the disclosed methods, the conversion yield of cotton to glucose can be as high as 80% or even 90%.

Abstract: A method of recovering purified partly-hydrolyzed cellulose particles from a composition comprising agglomerated partly-hydrolyzed cellulose particles and an acid, using electrodialysis. The invention addresses the problem of reducing the acid to very low levels while avoiding the high capital and operating costs, high water usage and large filtration surface area or dilution time requirements of the prior art processes. Following dilution, concentration by centrifuging or settling, and/or dialysis of the composition, the composition is treated in an electrodialysis cell to remove ions, such as free sulfate from sulfuric acid. The method may include having an anion exchange resin in the feed compartment of the electrodialysis cell, adding a base to the receiving solution in the electrodialysis cell, and a second step of electrodialysis of the purified partly-hydrolyzed cellulose particles.

Abstract: Poly alpha-1,3-glucan ester compounds are disclosed herein with a degree of substitution of about 0.05 to about 3.0. Also disclosed are methods of producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan ester compounds and films made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention presents novel corn fermentation processes that remove the oil-rich fraction either during or after fermentation instead of before fermentation as usual. Besides recovery of high value oil-rich fraction of the corn, the processes also produce other value-added co-products such as that with high fiber or high protein but low oil contents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making porous cross-linked charged cellulosic polymeric membranes capable of binding to a target molecule. The invention provides methods for separating target molecules from other components in a solution comprising use of membranes obtainable by the process of the invention. The method has particular utility in separating proteins and nucleic acids from cell lysates and cultures.

Abstract: A low energy method for the preparation of nanocellulose using selected organic or inorganic swelling agents. The use of these swelling agents allows opening up the intercrystalline structure and partially the intracrystalline structure of cellulosic materials thereby achieving a reduction 5 in the energy required to subsequently process the resultant swollen cellulose material into nanocellulose.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for treating cellulose to make it more accessible for enzymatic or chemical modification. The invention includes treating cellulose with an alkali in an alcohol/water co-solvent system. The treatment decrystallizes or deaggregates the cellulosic material. The methods and systems increase the efficiency of enzymatic or chemical modifications of cellulose for use as biofuels or cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: Spherical base granules comprising a hardly water-soluble drug and suited for film coating thereon are produced by layering spherical core particles with a drug-containing layering liquid comprising both micronized microcrystalline cellulose and an emulsifier therein and therefore having improved suspension stability.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of viscose comprises the steps of: a) providing a non-dissolving pulp as a raw material; b) steeping the pulp in caustic solution; c) processing the steeped pulp; d) steeping the processed steeped pulp for a second time in caustic solution; and e) further processing the pulp from step d) to form a viscose solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing low fibrillating cellulose fibers by a dry-jet-wet spinning process wherein cellulose is treated with a solvent containing imidazolium ionic salt in a spinneret maintained at a temperature of 100-120° C. and the spun fibers drawn to the coagulation bath containing ionic salt with the draw ratio less than 5, to produce fibers with fibrillating index less than or equal to 3.

Abstract: A cellulose solution obtained by dissolving cellulose in an amine oxide solvent is formed in a film form, and the resulting cellulose solution is immersed in water or a poor solvent of the amine oxide solvent, so as to coagulate and regenerate the cellulose. The regenerated cellulose is washed with water to remove the amine oxide solvent, and then dried, thereby obtaining a cellulose film that is thin, uniform, and dense and has few impurities. An aluminum electrolytic capacitor, which has been down-sized and/or capacity enlarged, can be constructed by interleaving the obtained cellulose film as a separator between an anode aluminum foil and a cathode aluminum foil and winding them into a capacitor element, immersing the capacitor element in liquid electrolyte so as to impregnate it with the electrolyte, placing it in a case, and then sealing it closed and aging it.

Abstract: A method for regeneration of a cellulose containing material, comprises the steps: a) exposing the cellulose containing material to oxygen with an alkali aqueous solution at a pH of at least 9, and a temperature of at least 20° C., b) dispersing the cellulose containing material in the alkali aqueous solution, wherein the temperature of the alkali aqueous solution is lowered below 15° C., and wherein the pH of the alkali aqueous solution is above 9, c) adding an organic solvent to the dispersion to precipitate cellulose, and d) separating the precipitated cellulose by at least one method selected from filtering and centrifugation. The method makes it possible to maintain a high alkali pH value in the process, which saves costs since the pH value does not have to be lowered by additions of various additives. The method makes it possible to remove non-cellulose parts of the cloth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hemostatic material containing compacted ORC powder comprising particles having an average aspect ratio from about 1 to about 18, wherein said compacted ORC powder have preferably been processed in a compaction device, such as a ball milled ORC powder. The present invention further relates to methods of making the hemostatic material and a method of treating a wound by applying the hemostatic powder onto and/or into the wound of a patient.

Abstract: An effluent produced in oxidation of a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in the presence of an N-oxyl compound and a bromide and/or iodide is deionized by electrodialysis to an inorganic salt concentration of less than 0.4%, whereby the N-oxyl compound in the effluent is concentrated and recovered. The N-oxyl compound thus recovered can be reused in oxidation of a cellulosic material. Preferably, the effluent is subjected to reduction treatment and ion exchange resin treatment prior to the electrodialysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hemostatic material containing compacted ORC powder comprising particles having an average aspect ratio from about 1 to about 18, wherein said compacted ORC powder have preferably been processed in a compaction device, such as a ball milled ORC powder. The present invention further relates to methods of making the hemostatic material and a method of treating a wound by applying the hemostatic powder onto and/or into the wound of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber bundle containing a plurality of regenerated multi-limbed cellulose fibers (1?,2?) the cross-sections of which exhibit three or more limbs. The fiber bundle according to the invention is characterized in that at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, particularly preferably at least 50%, of the multi-limbed cellulose fibers are asymmetrical fibers, wherein at least one of the limbs deviates in its length from the other limbs and wherein the length of one or several limbs is greater than the length of the shortest limb(s) by a factor of 2 to 10.

Abstract: A pore diffusion type flat membrane separation apparatus X including a plurality of flat membranes 7 and a plurality of flat plate-like supports 1 arranged alternately with each other, each flat membrane 7 defining a plurality of pores and configured to separate a predetermined dispersed substance contained in a solution by a pore diffusion technique, each flat plate-like support 1 having a flow conduit 2 on one or both faces thereof. A ratio between a spatial volume of the flow conduit 2 and a membrane area of the flat membrane 7 is set from 0.04 to 0.4 cm. The flat plate-like support 1 includes, in at least two positions in a lateral face thereof; water conduits 3 in communication with the flow conduit 2, so that flow directions of the solution in the flow conduits 2 of upper and lower flat plate-like supports 1 across the flat membrane 7 may be substantially same directions. The flat plate-like support 1 and the flat membrane 7 can be assembled with and disassembled from each other.

Abstract: A method for preparing a specific product from a polysaccharide in which at least one hydroxyl of a saccharide unit is substituted with an ether or ester moiety. The ether or ester moiety is provided with ethenyl and/or epoxy functionality for preparing an activatable polysaccharide polymer and the activatable polysaccharide polymer with ethenyl and/or epoxy functionality is optionally reacted with an additional coupling reagent, having at least two coupling functionality for preparing polysaccharide polymer with additional activatable crosslinker.

Abstract: A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous cellulose gel having a high mechanical strength capable of being operated at a higher flow rate, and a method for producing the same. To a suspension liquid of cellulose particles, a crosslinking agent in an amount of from 4 to 12 times the amount of the cellulose monomer in terms of moles and an alkali in an amount of from 0.1 to 1.5 times the amount of the crosslinking agent in terms of moles are added continuously dropwise or added dividedly over a prescribed period of time, whereby flow rate characteristics of a resulting porous cellulose gel can be enhanced. According to the invention, the production efficiency of a polymer substance, such as a nucleic acid and a protein can be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hemostatic material containing compacted ORC powder comprising particles having an average aspect ratio from about 1 to about 18, wherein said compacted ORC powder have preferably been processed in a compaction device, such as a ball milled ORC powder. The present invention further relates to methods of making the hemostatic material and a method of treating a wound by applying the hemostatic powder onto and/or into the wound of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a dissolving pulp from a cellulosic starting material using the kraft process, comprising the step of cooking the starting material with a cooking liquor. The process according to the invention characterized in that the starting material is exposed to a steam treatment prior to cooking and that the pulp obtained by cooking is subjected to cold caustic extraction (CCE) in the course of further processing.

Abstract: A binder for an electrode of a lithium battery, and a lithium battery containing the binder. The binder includes: a carbon nanotube; and a polymer chemically bonded to the carbon nanotube, and thus may form a conducting path by improving dispersion of the carbon nanotube. Accordingly, the binder may have high capacity and improve the lifetime of the lithium battery.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preventing or reducing postoperative ileus and gastric stasis. Such compositions comprise a combination of an oxidized regenerated cellulose component and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which functions as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase enzyme (Cox) activity. Such methods comprise administering an effective amount of the composition directly to the serosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal and other visceral organs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a biodegradable composition containing nano-particles of cellulose for forming a protective coating on natural materials. It is an object of the invention to provide a composition for forming a protective coating layer on a biodegradable natural material that imparts to the material improved waterproofing and grease-resistant properties. It is another object to provide a composition for forming a protective coating on natural biodegradable materials that is based on the use of nano-cellulose particles and that protects these materials from swelling, warping, and mechanical damage during contact with water, other aqueous liquids, or grease.

Abstract: Biomaterials that support cell attachment and growth are provided. In one aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising a first polymer matrix comprising reactive amino moieties and a second polymer matrix that interpenetrates with the first polymer matrix, where the second polymer matrix comprises a poly(alkylene oxide) comprising two or more alkylene oxide oligomers joined by gamma-thioether carbonyl linkages. In another aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising at least one biopolymer comprising amino groups, thiol groups, and bifunctional modifiers connecting at least some of the amino groups to at least some of the thiol groups; and at least one poly(alkylene oxide) cross-linked to at least two thiol groups of the biopolymer. The biomaterials may further comprise a pharmacologically active agent or cells. Methods of administering such biomaterials to a patient in need thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a regenerated cellulose fiber, in which carboxymethylcellulose is incorporated, in a flame-retardant product.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites that comprise regenerated cellulose, a first active substance, a second active substance, and a linker. Methods for preparing the composites that involve the use of ionic liquids are also disclosed. Articles prepared from the disclosed composites and methods of using them are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of functionalized sulfated cellulose membranes. In particular, the present invention relates to the preparation of sulfated cellulose membranes under specific reaction conditions allowing to provide a sulfated cellulose membrane useful for pseudo-affinity purification. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the sulfated cellulose membrane itself as well as its use for isolation of proteinaceous compositions. Finally, the present invention provides a method for isolating whole virus, virus proteins or heparin binding molecules comprising the step of affinity purification using the sulfated cellulose membrane according to the present invention.

Abstract: A solution system for biopolymers in the form of carbohydrates based on a molten ionic liquid, additives optionally being contained in the solution system, is described. This solution system contains a protic solvent or a mixture of several protic solvents, and in the case where the protic solvent is solely water, this is present in the solution system in an amount of more than about 5 wt. %. Carbohydrates can be incorporated into the solution system, in particular in the form of starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof, and it can then be used for regeneration of the carbohydrates contained therein. A particularly advantageous process for the preparation of the solution system containing the carbohydrates and for the preparation of regenerated carbohydrates, in particular in the form of regenerated cellulose fibers, is moreover described. The invention accordingly also provides such spun fibers as are distinguished in that they are non-fibrillating.

Abstract: A structure is disclosed containing a sorbent with amine groups that is capable of a reversible adsorption and desorption cycle for capturing CO2 from a gas mixture wherein said structure is composed of fiber filaments wherein the fiber material is carbon and/or polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: An effluent produced in oxidation of a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in the presence of an N-oxyl compound and a bromide and/or iodide is deionized by electrodialysis to an inorganic salt concentration of less than 0.4%, whereby the N-oxyl compound in the effluent is concentrated and recovered. The N-oxyl compound thus recovered can be reused in oxidation of a cellulosic material. Preferably, the effluent is subjected to reduction treatment and ion exchange resin treatment prior to the electrodialysis.

Abstract: A composition for reducing pain at a surgical wound site or trauma site comprising oxidized regenerated cellulose and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, where the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is an acid having a secondary amine group; and a method of reducing localized pain at a surgical wound site or trauma site.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing sponge bodies (1) made of regenerated cellulose using at least partially agglomerated pore inducers made of sodium sulphate decahydrate is provided. First, a viscose solution is provided. A pore inducer is added to said viscose solution. The viscose solution is laid onto a conveyer belt which is continuously moving. The viscose solution is led through baths on the conveyor belt, resulting in a porous mass made of regenerated cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cross-linking a polymeric carbohydrate material with a second material by means of a soluble carbohydrate polymer and a crosslinking agent. The present invention furthermore relates to the resulting cross-linked material, to uses of the cross-linked material, as well as to a kit comprising the soluble carbohydrate polymer and the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include one or more high-density textile fibers with a density from about 1 to about 11 g/mL. Some embodiments may include fabrics and/or garments made from such fibers. Embodiments comprising garments can include, for instance, exercise aids for providing extra mass to the wearer. Other embodiments can comprise, without limitation, building materials, safety equipment, armor, body armor, protective apparel, marine repair materials, marine protective devices, boat hulls, vehicle chassis, or blast-resistant materials.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for regenerating or derivatizing cellulose. The process comprises the steps of providing a source of unrefined cellulose, and dissolving the unrefined cellulose in a molten inorganic salt. The source of unrefined cellulose may be a biomass, such as wood. The process permits the regeneration or derivatization of cellulose having a high degree of polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lyocell filament fiber and a cellulose-based tire cord. The lyocell filament fibers and the cellulose based tire cord have good dimensional stability in a highly humid state and thus the tenacity, the elongation, and the modulus are superior to common cellulose based fibers, such as rayon and so on. Their property maintaining rate at the post manufacturing process is high and the processibility is good.

Abstract: A non crystalline or low crystallinity cellulose is able to be formed into a medicine tablet medium. A method of making a tablet of non crystalline or low crystallinity cellulose comprises providing cellulosic material, adding an effective acid in an amount effective to at least wet the cellulosic material, mixing the cellulosic material and acid under conditions effective to form an essentially uniformly wet condition, letting the mixture sit at ambient conditions for a period of time sufficient to form a viscous fluid, adding water or other diluent in an amount sufficient to lower the acid concentration and to form a slurry, dewatering the slurry, removing any residual acid from the dewatered slurry and forming the tablet.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing silicate-containing fiber, wherein silicon dioxide is added to viscose manufactured of cellulose, and the formed mixture of viscose and silicon dioxide is directed via nozzles to a regeneration solution, to which silicate is added.

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: The present invention relates to a lyocell fiber having superior the crystalline properties, which are measured by wet-treated and dry-treated condition under high temperature and high pressure conditions compared to measurement under standard conditions, and to a tire cord comprising the lyocell fiber. According to the present invention, the lyocell fiber has strength, elongation, and modulus that are superior to those of a conventional rayon, even when the lyocell fiber is wet- and dry-treated under high temperature and high pressure conditions by specifying water-washing conditions of a spinning machine, thereby improving dimensional stability of a tire cord when it is applied to the tire cord.

Abstract: This application describes a bioresorbable biocellulose suitable for medical and surgical applications. In particular, the invention describes periodate oxidized microbial cellulose that can be produced to have any mechanical and degradation profile, depending on the desired application of the oxidized cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of functionalized sulfated cellulose membranes. In particular, the present invention relates to the preparation of sulfated cellulose membranes under specific reaction conditions allowing to provide a sulfated cellulose membrane useful for pseudo-affinity purification. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the sulfated cellulose membrane itself as well as its use for isolation of proteinaceous compositions. Finally, the present invention provides a method for isolating whole virus, virus proteins or heparin binding molecues comprising the step of affinity purification using the sulfated cellulose membrane according to the present invention.

Abstract: A pore diffusion type flat membrane separation apparatus X including a plurality of flat membranes 7 and a plurality of flat plate-like supports 1 arranged alternately with each other, each flat membrane 7 defining a plurality of pores and configured to separate a predetermined dispersed substance contained in a solution by a pore diffusion technique, each flat plate-like support 1 having a flow conduit 2 on one or both faces thereof. A ratio between a spatial volume of the flow conduit 2 and a membrane area of the flat membrane 7 is set from 0.04 to 0.4 cm. The flat plate-like support 1 includes, in at least two positions in a lateral face thereof water conduits 3 in communication with the flow conduit 2, so that flow directions of the solution in the flow conduits 2 of upper and lower flat plate-like supports 1 across the flat membrane 7 may be substantially same directions. The flat plate-like support 1 and the flat membrane 7 can be assembled with and disassembled from each other.

Abstract: A method for dissolving cellulose in which the cellulose based raw material is admixed with a mixture of a dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agent and an ionic liquid at a temperature of 25° C. to 180° C. for a time sufficient to dissolve the cellulose based raw material. The molar ratio of dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agent to ionic liquid is 0.05 to 1.5 moles of dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agent to 1 mole of ionic liquid. Dipolar aprotic intercrystalline swelling agents do not include imidazole based agents or amine based agents.

Abstract: A battery separator for use in zinc alkaline batteries having improved mechanical strength and higher resistance to oxidation comprising cellulose that has been crosslinked with a saturated hydrocarbon group containing between four and sixteen carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-toxic process and system for pilot-scale production of cellulose products, and particularly to a process and system for pilot-scale production of cellulose products by using aqueous sodium hydroxide/urea solution pre-colled to lower than ?8° C., in which cellulose could dissolved rapidly. The said process and system can be used to produce fibers, films, chromatographic packings, or nonwovens of regenerated cellulose, as well as to produce a variety of high added-value products by adding other materials such as functional materials, nano-materials, etc.

Abstract: A solution system for biopolymers in the form of carbohydrates based on a molten ionic liquid, additives optionally being contained in the solution system, is described. This solution system contains a protic solvent or a mixture of several protic solvents, and in the case where the protic solvent is solely water, this is present in the solution system in an amount of more than about 5 wt. %. Carbohydrates can be incorporated into the solution system, in particular in the form of starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof, and it can then be used for regeneration of the carbohydrates contained therein. A particularly advantageous process for the preparation of the solution system containing the carbohydrates and for the preparation of regenerated carbohydrates, in particular in the form of regenerated cellulose fibers, is moreover described. The invention accordingly also provides such spun fibers as are distinguished in that they are non-fibrillating.