Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulose diacetate comprising a 6-position highly acetylated cellulose diacetate having a 6-percent viscosity of 40 to 600 mPa·s, and having a total degree of acetyl substitution of DSt and a degree of acetyl substitution at the 6-position of DS6, wherein DSt and DS6 satisfy following Conditions (1) and (2): 2.0?DSt<2.6??(1) 0.400?(DS6/DSt)?0.531?0.088×DSt??(2) The cellulose diacetate is usable typically as a starting material for cellulose acylates of different acyl groups, which have a high total degree of acyl substitution, have superior optical properties, and usable typically as photographic materials and optical materials.

Abstract: A pipette tip or tube containing chromatographic media contained and held in place in said tube by using low melting point porous polymer particles. Such pipette tips or tubes can be used for sample preparation, filtration and synthesis of small molecules and biomolecules.

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: Provided is a fiber for detecting a target, a method of preparing the fiber for detecting the target, a method of detecting the target in a sample, a fiber complex including the fiber for detecting the target, and a kit including the fiber for detecting the target. The fiber may include a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle, wherein the target material and the metal nanoparticle are fixed to the polymer. The method of preparing a fiber may include preparing a composition that includes a polymer, a target detecting material, and a metal nanoparticle and spinning the composition to prepare the fiber.

Abstract: A process for adjusting an intermolecular or intramolecular degree of acetyl substitution of cellulose acetate is disclosed. The process comprises ripening cellulose acetate in the presence of a catalyst, an acetyl donor, and water or an alcohol. The amount of water and the alcohol is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mol % based on the amount of the acetyl donor.

Abstract: There is provided a crosslinked cellulose hydrate membrane having a porous double structure which consists of micropores having a diameter in the range from >100 nm to 20 ?m and ultrapores which have a diameter of <100 nm and which are not accessible to Blue Dextran having an average molecular weight Mw of 2 000 000, wherein the fraction of the volume of the ultrapores is more than 15% of the entire pore volume accessible to water, and wherein hydrophobic ligands, selected from C1-C20-alkyl and their derivatives or C6-C25-aryl and their derivatives or C7-C25-arylalkyl and their derivatives or —[(CH2)m—O—]n—R, where m is 2 or 3, n is a whole number greater than or equal to 1, and R is —H or —C1-C5-alkyl, are bonded to the membrane. In addition, methods for producing the membrane, an apparatus for hydrophobic interaction chromatography and comprising the membrane, and the use of the membrane in hydrophobic interaction chromatography are specified.

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: 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: 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 invention relates to a process for acetylating celluloses, lignocelluloses and hemicelluloses such as wood, straw and cotton, and regenerated celluloses produced from natural products, by means of ketene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellulose ester in which heat resistance under wet condition is compatible with both releasability and spinnability even when the amount of the residual solvent is small in a casting process. The cellulose ester fulfills the following formula: 0.5<(B)/(A)<1.5 wherein (A) and (B) represent the total amount (in terms of molar amount) of residual sulfuric acid in 1 gram of the cellulose ester and the total amount (in terms of molar amount) of calcium contained in 1 gram of the cellulose ester, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a plurality of controlled-release coated microparticles each comprising a floating core, on the surface of which is deposited a layer containing at least one active principle, said layer being covered with a controlled-release coating, characterized by the fact that said floating core is composed of cellulose acetate phthalate and has an apparent density of less than or equal to 0.6 g/mL and said coated microparticles have a density of less than or equal to 0.7 g/mL.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for producing a stretched cellulose acylate film with an in-plane retardation, Re, of 100 nm or more and a relationship between the thickness direction retardation, Rth, and Re which satisfies Rth<(Re/2), by longitudinally stretching an unstretched cellulose acylate film in a longitudinal direction by pulling by means of a difference in circumferential velocity between a pair of rollers, wherein the method is characterized in that the cellulose acylate film is subjected to free-end uniaxial stretching to a longitudinal stretch ratio of 1 to 2 while the film is being heated in a heating oven installed between the pair of rollers at a stretching temperature in the range of Tc?10° C. to Tc+70° C., Tc being the crystallization temperature of the film, and with the temperature difference in the film width direction maintained within 10° C.

Abstract: Cellulose ester and film thereof useful for remarkably improving optical properties, e.g., optical isotropy. The cellulose ester has a degree of substitution from 2.90 to 2.965, a total of degrees of substitution at 2- and 3-positions ?1.97, and a half height width of chemical composition expressed in degree of substitution of ?0.09. The cellulose ester maybe produced by (i) acylating a cellulose with an acylating agent in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst, and (ii) hydrolyzing the acylated product in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst, wherein the acylation carried out with 1.40 to 2.0 molar equivalents of the acylating agent relative to 1 mol of a hydroxyl group in the cellulose in the presence of 6.5 to 9.5 parts by weight of the sulfuric acid catalyst relative to 100 parts by weight of the cellulose in the acylating step (i).

Abstract: The invention describes a composite microfibre, which is comprising a polysaccharide polymer selected from the group consisting of cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, n-propyl cellulose, isopropyl cellulose, cellulose acetate and combinations of two or more of these substances, and combinations of two or more of these substances, thereby the polysaccharide polymer further comprising substituents comprising a given formula, wherein k is 1 or greater, and wherein each moiety R1 is independently selected from H and methyl, and wherein each moiety R2 is independently selected from —H, —OH, —NH2, —SH, —OR3, —NHR3 and —NR3R4, —SR3, and wherein each moiety R3 and R4 are chemical groups independently selected from C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkoxy halide and C1-C4 heteroalkyl substituents, and is preferably selected from —CH3, —CH2—CH3, —CH2—OH, —CH2—CH2—OH, —CH2—CH2—NH2, —CH—CH(OH)—CH2—OH, —CH—CH(OH)—CH3, glycidyl, anhydride, sulfonic acid and hydroxys

Abstract: A process for adjusting an intermolecular or intermolecular degree of acetyl substitution of cellulose acetate is disclosed. The process comprises ripening cellulose acetate in the presence of a catalyst, an acetyl donor, and water or an alcohol. The amount of water and the alcohol is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mol % based on the amount of the acetyl donor.

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: 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 method for producing a transparent polymer film, which comprises stretching a starting transparent polymer film by at least 10% at (Tg+50)° C. or higher wherein the starting transparent polymer film has a water vapor permeability at 40° C. and 90% RH of at least 100 g/(m2·day) in terms of the film having a thickness of 80 ?m. The method provides a transparent polymer film having a high modulus of elasticity, a suitable water vapor permeability and little dimensional change.

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 phase difference plate which comprises one sheet of polymer film containing a compound having a rod-shaped molecular structure and exhibiting a maximum absorption wavelength (?max) of less than 250 nm in an ultraviolet spectrum of its solution and which exhibits a retardation value as measured at a wavelength of 450 nm (Re450) of 60 to 135 nm and a retardation value as measured at a wavelength of 590 nm (Re590) of 100 to 170 nm, where the relationship: Re590?Re450?2 nm is satisfied. The phase difference plate functions as a ?/4 plate.

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: Disclosed is a cellulose diacetate comprising a 6-position highly acetylated cellulose diacetate having a 6-percent viscosity of 40 to 600 mPa·s, and having a total degree of acetyl substitution of DSt and a degree of acetyl substitution at the 6-position of DS6, wherein DSt and DS6 satisfy following Conditions (1) and (2): 2.0?DSt<2.6 ??(1) 0.400?(DS6/DSt)?0.531?0.088×DSt ??(2) The cellulose diacetate is usable typically as a starting material for cellulose acylates of different acyl groups, which have a high total degree of acyl substitution, have superior optical properties, and usable typically as photographic materials and optical materials.

Abstract: A cellulous acylate film in which X-ray diffractive intensity satisfies the following Formulae (I) to (V) and in which a half-value width of the peak at 2?2 is 2.8° or less as observed in the sectional view in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the film: 0.00?Ici/Ico<0.60;??Formula (I) Iam=I1+{(I3?I1)/(2?3?2?1)}×(2?2?2?1);??Formula (II) Ic=I2?Iam;??Formula (III) Ici=Ic11/Ic12; and??Formula (IV) Ico={(Ic21/Ic22)+(Ic31/Ic32)}/2.

Abstract: Provided are tubular structures of a biocompatible, triggerably-dissolvable material such as cellulose or a copolymer having an LCST below physiological temperatures. The structures may be embedded within a cell growth scaffold. The tubular structures are useful in growing 3-dimensional tissue structures because nutrients, cytokines or other cell growth and/or differentiation compounds, as well as drugs, such as antibiotics and steroids, can be administered over time, and the tubular structures can be dissolved non-invasively.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparations and uses of cellulose esters with a high degree of substitution of hydroxyl groups (also called high DSOH cellulose esters) as substrates and/or negative C-plate optical compensation films in LCD applications.

Abstract: A novel cellulose acylate film is disclosed. The film is formed of a composition comprising 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): ?0.25?SA2+DSA3?DSA6?0.20, ??(I) 0.35?DSA2+DSA3+DSA6, ??(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: 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 process for adjusting an intermolecular or intramolecular degree of acetyl substitution of cellulose acetate is disclosed. The process comprises ripening cellulose acetate in the presence of a catalyst, an acetyl donor, and water or an alcohol. The amount of water and the alcohol is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mol % based on the amount of the acetyl donor.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film is stretched in the longitudinal direction by 1-300% under such conditions that the ration of the stretching distance (L) to the width (W) of the film before stretching, i.e., length/width ratio (L/W), is higher than 0.01 and lower than 0.3. The film stretched is relaxed in the longitudinal direction by 1-50% to produce a cellulose acylate film. When this film is incorporated in a liquid-crystal display, it can prevent the occurrence of color unevenness even when used in an high-temperature high-humidity atmosphere.

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: This invention relates to a process of manufacturing a cellulose molding, a plant component extracting apparatus and a process of manufacturing cellulose acetate. In one embodiment of the invention, the process of manufacturing a cellulose molding comprises steaming corncob meal at a temperature of 150 to 250° C. and a pressure of 20 to 29 MPa, filtering the steamed corncob meal with a filtering device to obtain a solid and molding the solid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alignment layer with improved adhesion to liquid crystal (LC) films, to a precursor material used for the preparation of such a layer, to a laminate comprising such a layer and at least one LC polymer film, and to the use of the alignment layer and the laminate for optical, electrooptical, decorative or security uses and devices, wherein the alignment layer and the precursor material comprise at least one reactive mesogen in monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric form.

Abstract: A production method of cellulose film wherein cellulose film is produced by preparing a polymer solution through dissolving cellulose ester in a solvent containing a prescribed organic solvent as the main component, forming a filmy object from the prepared polymer solution, and evaporating the solvent in the filmy object; the residual amount of the organic solvent is reduced while the film quality is not degraded, and the production efficiency is degraded to a least possible extent; a poor solvent, highest in boiling point among the materials contained in the solvent, is added in the content ranging from 0.1 wt % to 1.0 wt %, taking the total amount of the solvent in the prepared polymer solution to be 100 wt %; and the solubility of cellulose ester in the poor solvent is inferior to the solubility of the cellulose ester in the organic solvent which is the main component of the solvent.

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: A cellulose acetate film is made of a cellulose acetate having an acetic acid content of 59.0 to 61.5%. The film is controlled to have a Re retardation value in the range of 0 to 20 nm, a Rth retardation value in the range of 30 to 70 nm, and a thickness in the range of 10 to 70 nm.

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: The invention provides a process for manufacturing at low cost cellulose acetate, which is useful as a biodegradable plastic, using corncob meal which has hitherto been thrown away as a raw material. More specifically, the invention provides a process for manufacturing cellulose acetate, which comprises the steps of: steaming corncob meal at a temperature of 150 to 250° C. and a pressure of 20 to 29 MPa; filtering the steamed corncob meal to obtain a solid product; and dehydrating and acetylating by adding acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid to the solid product. The steaming is preferably carried out by using a pressure vessel and the filtering is preferably carried out by using a filtering device.

Abstract: The invention relates to low solution viscosity cellulose triacetate and methods of making thereof. The invention also relates to films prepared from the low solution viscosity cellulose triacetate and articles containing the low solution viscosity cellulose triacetate.

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: 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: The present invention provides a cellulose acetate satisfying at least one requirement selected from the following requirements (A), (B) and (C), provided that the case where (B) alone is satisfied is excluded. Requirement (A): Bright spotty matters in sizes of 20 &mgr;m or more are not more than 20 units/mm3. Requirement (B): Blocking constant (K) is not more than 60. Requirement (C): The ratio (G′/G″) of storage modulus (G′) to loss modulus (G″) at a measuring frequency of 0.016 Hz is not more than 0.2.

Abstract: A method for directly producing a mixture of cellulose sulfoacetate derivatives by esterification of cellulosic material, characterized in that it comprises the following steps i) the cellulosic material is suspended in a glacial acetic acid solution and the excess acetic acid is eliminated ii) the cellulosic acid that is swollen with acetic acid is suspended in a sulfuric acid solution in glacial acetic acid and iii) the cellulose material is made to react by adding acetic anhydride.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film formed from a solution of cellulose acylate contains a solvent of the solution at 0.1-0.6 wt. %, and acids at less than 500 ppm. The solvent is composed of at least one of esters and ketones, and further a recycled solvent recycled from the solution. In order to produce the cellulose acylate film, the solution is applied on a dope band moving in a direction, and dried to contain the solvent between 10-80 wt. % to the cellulose acylate. Thus a film-like material is formed from the solution, and peeled from the dope band. Thereafter the film-like material is further dried to form the cellulose acylate film containing the solvent at between 0.1 and 0.6 wt. %.

Abstract: Disclosed is a triacetyl cellulose film comprising (a) an unsubstituted triphenyl phosphate compound and (b) a lower alkyl-substituted triphenyl phosphate ester compound. Such a film exhibits a reduced rate of water vapor transmission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a triacetyl cellulose film comprising (a) a triphenyl monophosphate compound and (b) an aromatic polyol-bridged polyphosphate compound. Such a film exhibits a reduced rate of water vapor transmission.