Abstract: A process for preparing a composition (C1) represented by the formula (I): HO—CH2—(CHOH)n—CH2—O-(G)x-H, in which G represents the remainder of a reducing sugar, n is an integer equal to 2, 3 or 4 and x, which indicates the mean degree of polymerization of the remainder G, represents a decimal number greater than 1 and less than or equal to 5, characterized in that the process includes at least one step a) of reacting a polyol of formula (A1): HO—CH2—(CHOH)n—CH2—OH, in which n is an integer equal to 2, 3 or 4, with a reducing sugar of formula (II): HO-G-H, in which G represents the remainder of a reducing sugar, in the presence of an acid catalyst (Ca), and in that the acid catalyst (Ca) is chosen from phosphorous acid, phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acid.

Abstract: A method of disintegrating pulp for use in cellulose acetate production includes: a primary disintegration step of disintegrating a pulp sheet into pulp pieces having an average area of not more than 45 cm2; and a secondary disintegration step of disintegrating the pulp pieces with an impact shock exerted by a jet mill (20). The jet mill (20) includes: a cylindrical casing (21) provided with an inlet (21d) and an outlet (21e); and a rotor (25) including a plurality of blades (25a) provided on its outer peripheral portion, the plurality of blades (25a) facing an inner peripheral surface of the casing (21).

Abstract: Esterified cellulose pulp compositions produced in high yield from commercially available wood pulp sources, methods for making the esterified cellulose pulp compositions, and articles prepared from the esterified cellulose pulp compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose acylate film for an optical film usable for optical compensation sheet, an optical filter for stereoscopic images, a polarizer and a liquid crystal display and the like.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content for use in optical applications, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) films. Films with low hydroxyl levels and a given ratio of non-acetyl ester to hydroxyl level have low intrinsic birefringence. These films can be cast, molded, or otherwise oriented without an appreciable birefringence or optical distortion (i.e. retardation). These films are useful in polarizer, protective, and compensator films and in molded optical parts, such as lenses. The resins of the present inventions can also be made to have “+C plate” behavior either by melt or solvent based processing, which is uncharacteristic of cellulose esters. Such +C behavior allows films having unique compensatory behavior. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods of melt casting films while minimizing birefringence. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to films made from the cellulose esters described herein further comprising a plasticizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content for use in optical applications, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) films. Films made with low hydroxyl levels and a given ratio of non-acetyl ester to hydroxyl level have been found to have low intrinsic birefringence. These films can be cast, molded, or otherwise oriented without an appreciable birefringence or optical distortion (i.e. retardation). Such features make these films useful in polarizer, protective, and compensator films as well as molded optical parts, such as lenses. Furthermore, it has also been found that resins of the present invention can also be made to have “+C plate” behavior either by melt or solvent based processing, a characteristic which is not typical of cellulose esters. Such +C behavior allows films to be produced having unique compensatory behavior. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods melt casting films while minimizing birefringence formation.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an esterification product of a cellulose derivative by comprising esterification of a cellulose derivative in a mixture of an ionic liquid, cellulose derivative and agent that is at least one selected from the group consisting of carboxylic anhydride, carboxylic acid halide, and carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulose fibers wherein a part of the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose have been substituted with at least one of a carboxy group and formyl group of 0.1 mmol/g or larger based on the weight of the cellulose fibers, and have been further substituted with a chemical modification group other than the carboxy and formyl groups.

Abstract: This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide regioselectively substituted carbohydrate and polysaccharide derivatives, such as cellulose esters, and methods for preparing them. Particular methods of the invention include deacylation of esters using tetrabutylammonium fluoride to obtain selective substitution at desired hydroxyl position(s) of the ester. Preferred is deacylation of an ester, which shows selectivity for removal of acyl groups from the ester of the secondary alcohols at C-2 and C-3, and which affords cellulose-6-O-esters with high regioselectivity by a simple one-step process employing no protective groups. Inventive regioselectively substituted cellulose esters can be prepared by such methods to obtain esters with the following anhydroglucose repeating units: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently chosen from a hydrogen atom, and, whether substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched, an alkanoyl group, an aroyl group, and a heteroaroyl group.

Abstract: A method for utilizing biomass components, namely cellulose, hemicellose, and lignin, and converting them to value-added biobased chemical products is described herein. The present method provides treatments to obtain a plurality of component streams from biomass for producing derivative products while minimizing waste products.

Abstract: A method for utilizing woody biomass components, namely cellulose, hemicellose, and lignin, and converting them to value-added biobased chemical products is described herein. The present method provides treatments to obtain a plurality of component streams from woody biomass for producing derivative products while minimizing waste products.

Abstract: A method for utilizing agricultural biomass components, namely cellulose, hemicellose, and lignin, and converting them to value-added biobased chemical products is described herein. The present method provides treatments to obtain a plurality of component streams from agricultural biomass for producing derivative products while minimizing waste products.

Abstract: Ionic liquids and cellulose ester compositions and processes for producing ionic liquids and cellulose esters. Cellulose esters can be produced by esterifying cellulose in a reaction medium comprising one or more halide ionic liquids and at least one binary component. Cellulose esters prepared via the methods of the present invention can have a degree of substitution (“DS”) of at least 1.5 and can comprise a plurality of ester substituents, where at least 50 percent of the ester substituents comprise alkyl esters having a carbon chain length of at least 6 carbons.

Abstract: Ionic liquids and cellulose ester compositions and processes for producing ionic liquids and cellulose esters. Cellulose esters can be produced by esterifying cellulose in a reaction medium comprising one or more ionic liquids. Cellulose esters prepared via the methods of the present invention can be contacted with at least one bleaching agent to produce bleached cellulose esters having a ?E value of less than 30.

Abstract: A thermo-molding material contains a water-insoluble cellulose derivative, wherein the water-insoluble cellulose derivative comprises: A) a hydrocarbon group; B) a group containing an acyl group: —CO—RB1 and an alkyleneoxy group: —RB2—O— (RB1 represents a hydrocarbon group, and RB2 represents an alkylene group having 3 carbon atoms); and C) an acyl group: —CO—RC (RC represents a hydrocarbon group).

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: This invention relates to novel compositions comprising regioselectively substituted cellulose esters. One aspect of the invention relates to processes for preparing regioselectively substituted cellulose esters from cellulose dissolved in ionic liquids. Another aspect of the invention relates to the utility of regioselectively substituted cellulose esters in applications such as protective and compensation films for liquid crystalline displays.

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: Ionic liquids and cellulose ester compositions and processes for producing ionic liquids and cellulose esters. Cellulose esters can be produced by esterifying cellulose in a reaction medium comprising one or more halide ionic liquids and at least one binary component. Cellulose esters prepared via the methods of the present invention can have a degree of substitution (“DS”) of at least 1.5 and can comprise a plurality of ester substituents, where at least 50 percent of the ester substituents comprise alkyl esters having a carbon chain length of at least 6 carbons.

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: 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: An optical film comprising a thermoplastic resin, which is such that the slow axis direction in the film plane differs from the film tilt direction and the birefringence of a sliced section of the film that contains the tilt direction and the thickness direction in the plane varies in the thickness direction of the film.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film, comprising a cellulose acylate having at least one substituent (Substituent A) comprising an aromatic group having at least one C4 or longer aliphatic group, is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions comprising regioselectively substituted cellulose esters. One aspect of the invention relates to processes for preparing regioselectively substituted cellulose esters from cellulose dissolved in ionic liquids. Another aspect of the invention relates to the utility of regioselectively substituted cellulose esters in applications such as protective and compensation films for liquid crystalline displays.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cellulose based optical film material with the following structure: wherein R1 is —H or —C(O)R4, R4 is alkyl or aryl; R2 is —C(O)R5, R5 is alkyl or aryl; R3 comprises one of the group consisting of: phosphinate based group, phosphonate based group, phosphonamide based group, phosphate based group, phosphoramide based group, carbamate based group, carbonate based group, and ester based group. Further, this invention also discloses a method for forming the cellulose based optical film material.

Abstract: An unstretched cellulose acylate film hardly breakable upon stretching can be produced by melt film forming and as a result, a highly oriented stretched cellulose acylate film can be obtained. Using an extruder with a screw compression ratio of 2.5 to 4.5 and an L/D of 20 to 50, a cellulose acylate resin is extruded into a sheet at an extrusion temperature of 190° C. to 240° C. from a die to a cooling drum, and solidified by cooling to prepare an unstretched cellulose acylate film 16, which is then stretched to produce a stretched cellulose acylate film.

Abstract: A transglycosylation product, a method of producing the same and use of the product. The transglycosylation product comprises an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl glycoside of a cellulose ester or ether, wherein the alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups of the glycoside residue comprise a carbon chain having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and having 0 to 2 free hydroxyl groups and being attached to the 1-carbon of the anhydroglucose unit via an oxy group. The product can be produced by mixing the cellulose derivative with mono-, di- or triol to form a reaction mixture, after which the reaction mixture is heated and the reaction is continued until a clear mixture is obtained. After cooling the recoverable product is suitable for use for example as an adhesive or as a hydrophobic coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising cellulose in association with a support selected from a polymer and/or a fibre, wherein said cellulose is produced by a micro-organism. The cellulose-reinforced material is provided for incorporation into a composite.

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: This invention relates to novel compositions comprising regioselectively substituted cellulose esters. One aspect of the invention relates to processes for preparing regioselectively substituted cellulose esters from cellulose dissolved in ionic liquids. Another aspect of the invention relates to the utility of regioselectively substituted cellulose esters in applications such as protective and compensation films for liquid crystalline displays.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the adaptability to producing the cellulose acylate film and the surface properties of the cellulose acylate film produced by means of the melt film-forming method can be remarkably improved. Accordingly, there is also improved the surface properties of a stretched cellulose acylate film produced by stretching such an unstretched cellulose acylate film.

Abstract: A new cellulose excipient, OCCAE, 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 reacting an oxidized cellulose ester with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The invention also describes the formation of controlled release microspheres using OCCAE and/or oxidized cellulose esters that may be used to control the release of drug in a patient over a time period of several hours to several days.

Abstract: A process for producing a cellulose acylate film, the process comprising melt-cast filming a composition comprising a cellulose acylate that has a specific acyl substitution degree, and that has a residual sulfate in an amount equal to or less than a definite amount (in terms of an amount of a sulfur atom), and a a cellulose acylate film produced by the process, a high-quality retardation film, a polarizing plate, an optical compensatory film, an anti-reflective film and an image display device using same.

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: Disclosed are a retardation film, a method for producing the retardation film, a polarizing plate comprising the retardation film, and a liquid crystal display comprising the polarizing plate. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a retardation film, which comprises an extrusion step for extruding a composition containing a thermoplastic resin and having a temperature of To [° C.] from a die; a cooling step for cooling a film extruded from the die and having a glass transition temperature of Tg [° C.] to a temperature Ta [° C.]; a heating step for heating the cooled film to a temperature Tb [° C.] at least once; and a stretching step for cooling the heated film to a temperature Tc [° C.] and then stretching the cooled film in the width direction.

Abstract: A process for expression of a protein product in Aspergillus oryzae is disclosed. The process comprises transforming Aspergillus oryzae with a vector system comprising DNA-sequences encoding functions facilitating gene expression, a suitable marker for selection of transformants, and a DNA-sequence encoding the desired protein product. The process enables industrial production of many different polypeptides and proteins in A. oryzae. Examples of such products are chymosin or prochymosin other rennets, proteases, lipases and amylases. Also disclosed is an effective promoter for expression of a protein in Aspergillus. A preferred promoter is the TAKA-amylase promoter or functional parts thereof. There is also provided a process for the production of a recombinant Humicola lipase. The recombinant Humicola lipase from A. oryzae differs from the native lipase in having a greater glycosylation and in exhibiting an improved thermostability.

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: 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: A process for alkali saponification of polymer film is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of applying solution of an alkali onto a polymer film having a temperature of not lower than room temperature, and washing away the alkaline solution from the film.

Abstract: In a multi-layer structure of a cellulose acylate film, the averaged degree of acylation of surface layers is controlled in the range of 0.5 to 2.8 by mixing several sorts of cellulose acylates having different averaged degrees of acyation. One of the surface layers is formed on a substrate by casting a solution containing cellulose acylate made of cotton linter. Lubricant particles are added to a solution for the surface layers, and emission compounds to a solution for the inner layers. The obtained cellulose acylate film is excellent in adhesive property to the hydrophobic material without saponification, and adequately used for the polarizing filter, an optical compensation sheet, and liquid crystal display.

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: This invention relates to an image receiving layer (22) of a receiver element (20) for laser-induced thermal transfer imaging processes. The image receiving layer (22) is made from a formulation containing a caprolactone polymer and a cellulose ester. The invention is, typically, useful in proofing and color filter applications.

Abstract: A method for improving holdout on a coated, cellulosic substrate, such as a man-made fiber board. The process comprises the steps of applying an aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate size composition to a man-made fiber substrate, forming a sized substrate. The sized substrate is then dried. Next, an aqueous coating composition is applied to form a coated, sized substrate. The coated, sized substrate is then dried. According to the invention, the aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate size composition used in the process comprises carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate, water, and an organic solvent. The invention also relates to a sized, man-made fiber substrate comprising a man-made fiber substrate and a carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate size. The carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate may be either an internal sizing agent, or an external sizing agent.

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 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: 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: Carboxyalkylcellulose esters are disclosed having relatively low degrees of polymerization. These new carboxyalkylcellulose esters include carboxymethylcellulose acetate, carboxymethylcellulose acetate propionate, and carboxymethylcellulose acetate butyrate. The inventive esters exhibit solubility in a range of organic solvents, and are useful in coatings and ink compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.

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: 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.