Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the degradation of cellulose by dissolving the cellulose in an ionic liquid and treating it with an acid, if appropriate with addition of water.

Abstract: A dope containing TAC is cast onto a belt. When having self-supporting properties, the dope is peeled as a wet film (46) from the belt, and transported into a tenter dryer (60). A preheating is made in an entrance section (80), and a stretching is made in a stretching section (81). In a relaxation section (82), the width of the film was becomes shorter, and in the exit section (83), the width was kept to be uniform and transported from the tenter dryer (60) as a film (61).

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film satisfying Re?40 is produced by transporting a cellulose acylate film having a substitution degree of acyl substituted for hydroxyl group of cellulose of 2.88 or higher, and subjecting the film to heat treatment at 160° C. or higher.

Abstract: A novel cellulose acylate composition is disclosed. The composition comprises at least one cellulose acylate having an aromatic group-containing acyl group (Substituent A), in which a substitution degree with Substituent A satisfies following relational expressions (I) and (II): DSA2+DSA3?DSA6>0.05,??(I) 0.11<DSA2+DSA3+DSA6<0.71,??(II) wherein DSA2, DSA3 and DSA6 each indicate a substitution degree with Substituent A at the 2-, 3- and 6-positions of the cellulose acylate.

Abstract: Cellulose with a calcium (Ca) content of at most 10 ppm is used as a raw material of cellulose acylate. The cellulose acylate is synthesized by esterification of cellulose with carboxylic acid such as acetic acid. A dope containing the cellulose acylate and a solvent is continuously cast onto a belt, which is a support, to form a casting film. The casting film is peeled off from the belt as a film, and then the film is dried.

Abstract: Ionic liquids and cellulose ester compositions and processes and apparatus for producing ionic liquids and cellulose esters. Cellulose esters can be produced by dissolving cellulose in carboxylated ionic liquids and thereafter contacting the cellulose solution with at least one acylating reagent. Cellulose esters produced via the present invention can comprise ester groups that originate from the carboxylated ionic liquid and/or the acylating reagent.

Abstract: Processes for recycling an ionic liquid comprising employing an initial ionic liquid as a solvent and/or reagent resulting in a modified ionic liquid and thereafter subjecting at least a portion of the modified ionic liquid to at least one anion exchange process to produce a reformed ionic liquid. The initial ionic liquid can be employed in a cellulose esterification process, thereby producing the modified ionic liquid. At least a portion of the reformed ionic liquid can be recycled to a point upstream in the cellulose esterification process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retardation film obtained by subjecting a film formed from a cellulose derivative to an orientation treatment, wherein a hydroxyl group of cellulose is substituted by at least one kind of aliphatic acyl group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and a degree of substitution by said hydroxyl group is 1 to 3. According to the present invention, a retardation film having various wavelength dispersion characteristics, positiveness or negativeness in birefringence and viewing angle characteristics, in particular, an achromatic retardation film and a retardation film having a high birefringent property and the like can be obtained by preparing a retardation film using a properly selected said cellulose derivative as a raw material of the film.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for enhancing synthesis of DNA involving a carboxylate ion-supplying substance that is effective in promoting DNA synthesis in enzymatic DNA synthesis reactions. The invention further provides a thermostable DNA polymerase-related factor derived from Thermococcus species, which has an activity to promote the DNA synthesis activity of DNA polymerase or which binds to DNA polymerase.

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: 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: Using the dope containing the following cellulose acetate (1), (2), or (3), a film is prepared by the casting process: (1) a cellulose acetate having carboxyl groups binding to at least one member selected from the group consisting of a cellulose acetate and a hemicellulose acetate, wherein at least a part of said carboxyl groups are in an acidic form; (2) a cellulose acetate containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of an acid having an acid dissociation exponent pKa of 1.93 to 4.50 in water, an alkali metal salt of said acid and an alkaline earth metal of said acid; or (3) a cellulose acetate containing an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal wherein the total content of an alkaline metal and an alkaline earth metal in 1 gram of the cellulose acetate is from an effective amount to 5.5×10?6 equivalent (in terms of ion equivalent). The above cellulose acetate is also useful for spinning process. The cellulose acetate includes a cellulose diacetate and a cellulose triacetate.

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 process for the production of dual-functional ion exchange resins from lignocellulosic agricultural material involving anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid and then cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and choline chloride, or cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with DMDHEU and choline chloride and then anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one GHB moiety bonded to at least one physiologically compatible carrier molecule. The compositions can enhance the uptake of the drug, deliver effective therapeutic doses in a time-delayed fashion, or can target specific organs.

Abstract: A dry hydrocolloid powder with cold-gel capabilities is produced by: dissolving a hydrocolloid comprising polysaccharide chains in an aqueous solution; heating the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to induce a substantial alteration in the tertiary structure of the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid; cooling the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to substantially return the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid to their original tertiary structure, wherein the polysaccharide chains form a gelling network; and drying the cooled hydrocolloid solution to form a dry powder. In some embodiments, the dry powder has a viscosity of between about 10 and 40 mPa-s when reconstituted in a 2% weight/weight solution at 25 degrees C. In other embodiments, the dry powder has a water absorption of greater than 20 g H2O/g powder.

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 cellulose ester film is disclosed which comprises a polyhydric alcohol ester, which is an ester of one or more kinds of monocarboxylic acids with an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol, wherein the cellulose ester film has a water vapor transmission rate of from 20 to 260 g/m2·24 hours measured under conditions of 25° C. and 90% RH.

Abstract: Disclosed are an organic-inorganic hybrid film comprising a cellulose derivative and a polycondensation product of a condensation polymerizable reactive metal compound, wherein the film contains a plasticizer in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight and its manufacturing method.

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: A method for forming II-type cellulose, which comprises introducing together a slurry having water and a I-type cellulose dispersed therein and water in the state of high temperature and high pressure to a tubular reactor (28) contacting the I-type cellulose with a hot water in a supercritical state or subcritical state for a predetermined time in the tubular reactor (28), to thereby cleave a part of the hydrogen bonds in the I-type cellulose and dissolve the I-type cellulose into the water in a supercritical state or subcritical state, cooling a cellulose solution discharged from the tubular reactor (28) in a cooler (30) to room temperature or lower, followed by allowing to stand, to thereby precipitate crystals of II-type cellulose having a molecular weight lower than that of the I-type cellulose, and separating the resultant II-type cellulose from a solvent. The method allows the preparation of pure II-type cellulose by the use of a simple process.

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 cellulose acetate film is produced from a solution of a cellulose acylate in a mixed solvent. The mixed solvent comprises a main solvent and an alcohol. The mixed solvent essentially does not contain chlorine atom. The main solvent comprises an ester and a ketone. The ester has a solubility parameter of 16 to 23. The ketone has a solubility parameter of 16 to 23. The alcohol has a solubility parameter of 20 to 30. The mixed solvent comprises the ester in an amount of 58 to 96 wt. %, the ketone in an amount of 2 to 15 wt. %, and the alcohol in an amount of 2 to 40 wt. %.

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: A method of producing a cellueose ether that is predominantly substituted in the C2 position of the anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose is described. The regioselectively substituted saccharide ester produced according to the method of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of oligo-saccharide ester and polysaccharide ester, having a partial average degree of substitution (AS) at the C2 position of its anhydroglucose unit of at least 90% relative to the total AS. Also described is a blood plasma expander comprising the regioselectively substituted ester.

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: A cellulose acylate solution is used for producing a film in a solution casting method. Particles to be added to the cellulose acylate solution are silicon dioxide and surfaces of the particles are positively charged. After the particles are added to the solution, the filtrated solution is used for the film production. Thus the aggregation is prevented, and after the filtration pressure increases, the particles of large size are not contained in the filtrated solution. The obtained film contains a small amount of foreign materials and the situation of the film surface is good.

Abstract: A cellulose ester film comprises (a) an ultraviolet absorbent polymer having at least one of repeating units represented by formulae (1) and (2) and repeating units having ultraviolet absorbent structures represented by formulae (3), (4) and (5), (b) an ultraviolet absorbent polymer which is a copolymer of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (6), (7) or (19) with a monomer unit derived from another ethylenically unsaturated monomer, (c) an ultraviolet absorbent polymer which is a copolymer of a monomer represented by formula (8) with a monomer represented by formula (9), or (d) modified cellulose in which an ultraviolet absorbent structure bonds directly or through a spacer to a hydroxy group of cellulose or its derivative.

Abstract: This invention refers to the use of surface-active agents as a treatment of effluents containing acetic derivatives by tangential filtration characterized from aqueous solutions containing between 20 and 35% in weight of acetic derivatives having been optionally decanted and filtered in a conventional manner in order to remove suspended impurities, which undergo the addition of one or more surface-active agents, while submitted to the tangential filtration process via polymer membranes, the cutting range of which may vary between 0.001 and 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorinated biopolymer and polymer derivatives useful as imaging probes, diagnostic agents and contrast agents and to imaging methods employing the fluorinated biopolymers and polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing water-insoluble cellulose fibers having high carboxyl content by reacting cellulose fiber in suspension with dicarboxylic acid anhydride or chloride in the presence of a basic catalyst. The fibers produced possess a unique combination of high carboxyl content in the range of 100 to 4000 meq/kg, and high average viscosity, in the range of 0.5 to 12 dl/g. The carboxylated cellulose fibers according the invention can be made with a combination of carboxyl content and average viscosity which are suitable for use in numerous applications, including absorbent products, health care products, specialty papers, adhesives, detergents, biodegradable fibers, precursors for aqueous coatings and ion exchange fibers.

Abstract: Esterified polysaccharides and the process of making such products are disclosed. The process can be enzymatic where an enzyme is used as a catalyst for the reaction. The process can also be chemical where no enzyme is used. Novel Products are obtained through lipase-catalyzed &bgr;-lactone ring opening alcoholysis of ketene dimers and the process of making such compositions containing products.

Abstract: A regioselectively substituted member selected from the group consisting of oligo-saccharide ester and polysaccharide ester is disclosed. The ester has a partial average degree of substitution AS at the C2 position of its anhydroglucose unit of at least 90% relative to the total AS. Also disclosed is a method of producing the regioselectively substituted ester. The method entails reacting in the presence of a catalyst a dissolved or a highly swollen oligo-saccharide or polysaccharide with an esterification reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers having no large UV absorption as represented by an aromatic group and having high asymmetric recognizability, particularly, high asymmetric recognizability in an aqueous mobile phase, or a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers comprising a polysaccharide alicyclic ester derivative free from aromatic group as an effective component.

Abstract: A method of making cellulose polymer solution comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer raw material in a chlorine-free organic solvent system under a high temperature and a high pressure condition belonging to the nearcritical or the supercritical region of the system. By removing the solvent from the thus obtained cellulose polymer solution, cellulose polymer powders are also produced.

Abstract: A water-soluble, biodegradable hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester is disclosed. The hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester has: (i) a molecular degree of substitution of the hydroxyalkyl group of less than 1.5 (MShydroxyalkyl<1.5); and (ii) a molecular degree of substitution of the 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid group of greater than 0.4 and less than 3 (0.4<MS2-hydroxycarboxylic acid<3). Also described is a method of preparing the hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester, and methods of using it, e.g., as a consistency regulator in at least one of foodstuffs, cosmetics, building materials, paints and strippers.

Abstract: A producing method of a cellulose polymer powder is provided, which comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer by exposure to an organic solvent containing, as the main component, an ester-based solvent having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, a ketone-based solvent having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alcohol-based solvent having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and carbon dioxide, and then removing the carbon dioxide and the organic solvent from the solution. A producing method of an organic solvent solution of a cellulose polymer is also provided.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of inorganic and organic bead polymers using a static micromixer is disclosed. The bead polymers obtainable by the process according to the invention have a very uniform particle size distribution, which can be set in a range of between 0.1 and 300 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A regioselectively substituted member selected from the group consisting of oligo-saccharide ester and polysaccharide ester is disclosed. The ester has a partial average degree of substitution AS at the C2 position of its anhydroglucose unit of at least 90% relative to the total AS. Also disclosed is a method of producing the regioselectively substituted ester. The method entails reacting in the presence of a catalyst a dissolved or a highly swollen oligo-saccharide or polysaccharide with an esterification reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic, water-soluble cellulose derivatives of the general formula 1

Abstract: Emulsifiers based on the reaction product of hydrocolloid and dicarboxylic anhydrides, especially useful in the preparation of oil-in-water emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a series of oxidized cellulose esters suitable for use as a drug carrier in the development of biodegradable controlled and/or sustained release pharmaceutical, agricultural, and veterinary compositions, such as films, compacts, microspheres, and pellets. The esters are prepared by acylation of oxidized cellulose having at least 3% carboxyl groups. The resulting oxidized cellulose esters are soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions, water, and a variety of organic solvents.

Abstract: A catalytic system for cellulose acylation includes an adduct of sulfuric acid with N,N-dimethylacetamide, free sulfuric acid or free N,N-dimethylacetamide with the following mole ratio of the components: adduct:1.0; free sulfuric acid, max:0.49; or free N,N-dimethylacetamide, max:0.4. A process for producing such a catalytic system is based upon reacting sulfuric acid with N,N-dimethylacetamide in an anhydrous medium at a temperature of 0° C.-25° C. with the following mole weight ratio of the components: sulfuric acid:1.0; N,N-dimethylacetamide, max:1.4. A process for cellulose acylation in the presence of this catalytic system incorporates cellulose treatment with acetic acid followed by treatment of the resultant activated cellulose with a lower fatty acid anhydride at a temperature of 10° C.-90° C. in the presence of this catalytic system taken in an amount of 1.5-30.0 wt.

Abstract: Polymers are derivatized and then may be introduced into a wellbore, such as in a hydraulic fracturing treatment. A polymer may be a guar powder that is mixed with a organic solvent and derivatized using a derivatizing agent, such as sodium chloroacetate. The polymer is typically derivatized in bulk prior to introduction into the wellbore. The derivatized polymer may be hydrated and/or crosslinked prior to introduction into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of making cellulose polymer solution comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer raw material in a chlorine-free organic solvent system under a high temperature and a high pressure condition belonging to the nearcritical or the supercritical region of the system. By removing the solvent from the thus obtained cellulose polymer solution, cellulose polymer powders are also produced.

Abstract: A process for producing a granulated water-soluble polysaccharide, wherein the water-soluble polysaccharide in powder is sprayed with a binder solution, the process comprising using a mixed solution of a water-soluble polysaccharide and an emulsifier as a binder. The process produces a water-soluble polysaccharide excellent in handling behavior such as dissolution in water, suppression of foaming during dissolution and suppression of dusting during a handling operation.

Abstract: A producing method of a cellulose polymer powder is provided, which comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer by exposure to an organic solvent containing, as the main component, an ester-based solvent having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, a ketone-based solvent having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alcohol-based solvent having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and carbon dioxide, and then removing the carbon dioxide and the organic solvent from the solution. A producing method of an organic solvent solution of a cellulose polymer is also provided.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition comprising hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose trimellitate typically having a mean particle size of up to 10 &mgr;m and a plasticizer is applied to a solid pharmaceutical preparation to form a coating film having acid resistance and solubility at about pH 4. The coated preparation has an improved bioavailability.

Abstract: A process for preparation of crosslinked cellulosic products containing at least 30 wt. % cellulosic fibers and the polyanhydride crosslinked cellulosic products resulting therefrom wherein a cellulosic material is treated with an aqueous solution of a polycarboxylic acid formed by hydrolysis of a polyanhydride of the structure which comprises the reaction product of trimellitic anhydride and a diol in the mole ratio of from about 2.0:0.9 to about 2.0:1.1, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylene and cycloalkylene moieties of up to 12 carbon atoms and ethylene oxide and propylene oxide moieties of molecular weight up to about 6000, wherein said cellulosic material is impregnated with an aqueous solution of said polyanhydride, dried, and heated to a temperature of from about 120° C. to about 200° C.

Abstract: A mixture of chemical substances such as optical isomers, geometrical isomers and polymers having different molecular weight ranges is separated to each ingredient by use of a cellulose derivative having an aromatic ring in the chromatographic method.