Abstract: Pectinases, such as Pectinex™ Ultra SP-L (composed of the enzyme Polygatacturonase, a type of pectinase which is derived from Aspergillus aculeatus) or pectinmethylesterases were used to decrease or increase, respectively, the viscosity of fiber solutions, especially solutions with highly refined cellulosic thickeners, and particularly those made of highly refined cellulosic parenchyma cell wall fiber solutions. The enzyme can reduce the viscosity up to 95% or increase the viscosity 100 fold. At lower concentrations the enzyme requires up to a few days of reacting to reach the full reduction in viscosity. Pectinex™ Ultra SP-L has an optimum pH of 4.5-5 and a temperature optimum of 40° C. By controlling the viscosity available from the dried, treated highly refined cellulosic fiber compositions, tailored powder compositions can be provided that will provide precise viscosities when rehydrated in solutions at a constant concentration.

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

Abstract: 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: Improved anti-reflective coating compositions for use in integrated circuit manufacturing processes and methods of forming these compositions are provided. Broadly, the compositions are formed by heating a solution comprising a compound including specific compounds (e.g., alkoxy alkyl melamines, alkoxy alkyl benzoguanamines) under acidic conditions so as to polymerize the compounds and form polymers having an average molecular weight of at least about 1,000 Daltons. The monomers of the resulting polymers are joined to one another via linkage groups (e.g., —CH2—, —CH2—O—CH2—) which are bonded to nitrogen atoms on the respective monomers. The polymerized compound is mixed with a solvent and applied to a substrate surface after which it is baked to form an anti-reflective layer. The resulting layer has high k values and can be formulated for both conformal and planar applications.

Abstract: A chemical system and method to stop or minimize fluid loss during completion of wells penetrating hydrocarbon formations are provided. The inventions relates to formulating a highly stable crosslinked hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), control released viscosity reduction additives, and user friendly packaging. The chemical system contains a linear HEC polymer solution, a low solubility compound which slowly raises the fluid pH, a chelating agent which further increases the pH level beyond the equilibrium achievable by the low solubility compound, a metal crosslinker which crosslinks HEC at elevated pH, a crosslink delaying agent which allows fluid viscosity to remain low until the fluid reaches the subterranean formation, and optionally an internal breaker. The chemical additives are packaged as an integrated pallet and transported to a field location which allows operators to conveniently mix them before pumping.

Abstract: A cellulose triacetate film characterized in being comprised of cellulose triacetate which is prepared by employing cotton liter as the raw material, having a value of weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn of 3.5 to 4.5, or being comprised of cellulose triacetate which is prepared by employing wood pulp as the raw material, having a value of weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn of 4.0 to 5.0.

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 cross-linked copolymer based on at least one non-crosslinked polycarboxylic polysaccharide and at least one second non-crosslinked polycarboxylic polymer which is not a polycarboxylic polysaccharide and a cross-linking agent having at least two amine functions.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to obtain cellulose acetate with improved physical properties, particularly film strength arid improved flexibility of the molded product. Cellulose acetate wherein average degree of acetylation is not less than 59%, viscosity average degree of polymerization (DP) is not less than 290, and concentrated solution viscosity (.eta.) according to the falling ball viscosity method for viscosity average degree of polymerization (DP) is expressed by the following formula (1): 2.814.times.ln(DP)-11.753.ltoreq.ln(.eta.).ltoreq.7.28.times.ln(DP)-37.059 (1) and a process for production thereof.

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 ##STR1## 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.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate having a high moldability and low solution viscosity in spite of having a high average degree of polymerization is obtained. The low molecular weight components of cellulose acetate (e.g., CTA having average degree of acetylation of 59.0 to 62.5%) are eluted with a washing solvent to produce a cellulose acetate having a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of 1 to 1.7. As the washing solvent, those swell or partially dissolve the cellulose acetate, for example, those which dissolve 0.1 to 30% by weight of cellulose acetate can be used. This solvent includes, for example, a solvent having a solubility parameter .delta. of 7 to 12.5 (ketones, ethers, organic acid, esters, etc.).

Abstract: Disclosed is the production of starch decomposition products with a narrow molecular weight distribution, based on the treatment of starch or starch derivatives using high-pressure homogenization. The starch decomposition products are obtained in high yields with a narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate having a high moldability and low solution viscosity in spite of having a high average degree of polymerization is obtained. The low molecular weight components of cellulose acetate (e.g., CTA having average degree of acetylation of 59.0 to 62.5%) are eluted with a washing solvent to produce a cellulose acetate having a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of 1 to 1.7. As the washing solvent, those swell or partially dissolve the cellulose acetate, for example, those which dissolve 0.1 to 30% by weight of cellulose acetate can be used. This solvent includes, for example, a solvent having a solubility parameter .delta. of 7 to 12.5 (ketones, ethers, organic acid, esters, etc.).

Abstract: An object of the invention is to obtain cellulose acetate having improved physical properties, particularly film strength and improved flexibility of the molded product. Cellulose acetate having an average degree of acetylation of not less than 59%, viscosity average degree of polymerization (DP) of not less than 290. and concentrated solution viscosity (.eta.) according to falling ball viscosity method for viscosity average degree of polymerization (DP) expressed by the following formula (1):2.814.times.ln(DP)-11.753.ltoreq.ln(.eta.).ltoreq.7.28.times.ln(DP)-37.059( 1)and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for surface treating water soluble cellulosic polymers with crosslinking agents to provide products which are more readily dispersible in cold water, and have longer viscosity delay times than can be achieved with polymers treated in low intensity mixers, such as ribbon blenders, comprising distributing the crosslinking agent using a continuous, high intensity mixer, followed by heating to facilitate surface crosslinking. This process also allows for a reduced level of crosslinking chemicals to be used.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous coating compositions containing water soluble cellulose esters which are cross-linked with a resin system in the presence of an organic sulfonic acid catalyst for the formation of a film. The cellulose esters contain a low degree of substitution performed by solvolysis of cellulose esters of higher degree of substitution in the presence of a carboxylic acid catalyst.

Abstract: Process for reducing the degree of substitution of cellulose esters employing carboxylic acids as solvolysis promoters is disclosed. Exemplary cellulose esters are cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, and cellulose acetate butyrate.

Abstract: A solid composition of matter comprising one or more polysaccharides which has been cross-linked with either titanium or zirconium cross-linking agents is provided. The composition demonstrates absorbent properties and is useful in absorbent articles of manufacture. Also provided is a method for preparing the compositions.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of starch degradation products with a narrow molecular weight distribution which is characterized in that a native starch, a starch derivative, a partially hydrolysed starch or a partially hydrolysed starch derivative in aqueous dispersion, suspension or solution is subjected to the action of ultrasound. Starch degradation products with a narrow molecular weight distribution can be obtained in high yields using this process.

Abstract: Provided is a novel improved process for the preparation of .alpha.-D-cellobiose octaacetate via the acetylative degradation of cellulose or cellulose acetate. The title compound is provided in high yield and quality in a facile one-pot process, amenable to large-scale synthesis.

Abstract: Process for reducing the degree of substitution of cellulose esters employing Lewis acids as solvolysis promoters is disclosed. Novel low degree of substitution cellulose esters produced by the invention process are also described.

Abstract: Method of crosslinking carboxyl-containing polysaccharides in that the polysaccharide is at first activated with a bi- or polyfunctional reagent, and then after removal of any potential excess of activating reagent the crosslinking is performed during drying. The invention also comprises a material produced according to this method.

Abstract: Membranes which are used for the separation of gases comprise cellulose acetate membranes which have been crosslinked with an organic titanate. The membranes are prepared by solvent exchanging a cellulose acetate membrane through a series of baths of decreasing polarity followed by treating the membrane with a crosslinking agent comprising an organic titanate in an organic solvent solution which possesses a relatively low polarity. The resulting membranes will retain the original excellent separation characteristics while concomitantly possessing greater temperature and pressure stability and flux characteristics.

Abstract: A process for reducing the dust content of cellulose ethers comprises reacting the cellulose ether with an aggregating agent comprising (1) a polypropylene glycol or a propoxylated alcohol and (2) an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: A moisture sensitive material prepared by crosslinking cellulose acetate through at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds containing two or more isocyanate groups; compounds containing two or more epoxy groups; compounds containing two or more carboxyl groups ##STR1## and acid anhydrides of carboxylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cellulosic material and a process for preparing the same. The cellulosic material is a carboxylated cellulose ester material having an acid number of at least about 5, an inherent viscosity of from about 0.01 to about 1.00 and wherein the anhydroglucose units thereof have ring substituents comprising by weight based on total polymer weight, of from about 0.05 to about 20% hydroxyl groups, from about 0.5 to about 44% acetyl groups, from 0 to about 54% butyryl groups, from 0 to about 47% propionyl groups, from about 0.4 to about 4.0% total carboxyl groups wherein from about 20% to about 100% of these carboxyl groups are non-saponifiable backbone, and wherein the material has a lactone level of from about 4.52.times.10.sup.-5 to about 6.13.times.10.sup.-4. The carboxylated cellulose esters of the present invention are prepared by reacting a cellulose ester with ozone at a temperature of about 25.degree. to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Absorbent, coherent, flexible structures in the form of fibrous webs and porous sponges comprising water-insoluble, ring oxidized cellulosic bases consisting of water-insoluble cellulose ethers, cellulose mixed ethers ring oxidized forms of these cellulose, cellulose ether mixed esters and mixtures of the bases. The cellulose bases have a DS of between about 0.05 and about 0.35. Upon application of the structures to the body and wet with aqueous body liquids, sharp edges and protruding fibers and fibrils or hairs become highly swollen or may dissolve thereby eliminating irritation. The ring oxidized forms of the cellulose bases contain between about 2% and about 52% added carboxyl groups. The structures may have hemostatic properties and the structure may include uniformly dispersed therein chitin and/or starch derivatives or contain starch or gelatin compounds to enhance the hemostatic efficacy.

Abstract: A process for preparing porous, spherical cellulose particles which comprises suspending a cellulose organic ester solution dissolved in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent into an aqueous medium to form droplets of the solution, evaporating the chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent in the droplets to form cellulose organic ester spherical particles, and saponifying the cellulose organic ester spherical particles. In the aforesaid process, an acid or alkaki is added and mixed with the cellulose organic ester solution prior to suspending the cellulose organic ester solution into the aqueous medium to control the porosity of the porous, spherical cellulose particles with high reproducibility.

Abstract: Secondary cellulose acetate (cellulose diacetate) of improved whiteness is produced by ripening primary cellulose acetate (cellulose triacetate) using a lower aliphatic alcohol instead of an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A process for preparing porous, spherical cellulose particles which comprises suspending a cellulose organic ester solution dissolved in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent into an aqueous medium to form droplets of the solution, evaporating the chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent in the droplets to form cellulose organic ester spherical particles, and saponifying the cellulose organic ester spherical particles. In the aforesaid process, an acid or alkali is added and mixed with the cellulose organic ester solution prior to suspending the cellulose organic ester solution into the aqueous medium to control the porosity of the porous, spherical cellulose particles with high reproducibility.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating cellulose ester articles which comprises applying to the surface of the articles a solution of alkylated melamine such as hexamethoxymethylmelamine and an acid catalyst. The solution is applied such as to result in a deposit of alkylated melamine in an amount of between about 1% and about 10% based on the weight of the cellulose ester article and acid in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 1.0% based on the weight of the cellulose ester article. The article is then heated to cause a reaction to occur between the alkylated melamine and the surface of the cellulose ester article to form a crosslinked skin to render the article resistant to attack by solvents.

Abstract: Cellulose diacetate having improved resistance to delustering in hot water is produced by acetylation cellulose in the presence of a catalyst and then hydrolyzing (or ripening) the product to form secondary cellulose acetate; wherein the catalyst in the acetylated mixture is completely neutralized before about the middle of the hydrolysis reaction at the latest and thereafter hydrolysis is carried out at a temperature of about 110.degree. to 120.degree. C. while maintaining the concentration of acetic acid in the reaction mixture at about 67 to 78% by weight based on the total weight of the acetic acid and water, the relation between the hydrolysis temperature and the concentration of acetic acid being defined by the area between and including points A, B, C and D in FIG. 2.

Abstract: Porous cellulose beads are prepared by distributing droplets of a solvent mixture containing a cellulose derivative into a precipitating solution to form porous beads which are then washed and hydrolyzed to form porous cellulose beads. The porous cellulose beads, which may be cross-linked, if desired, by suitable treatment, are useful carriers to which enzymes can be immobilized. The beads may also be used for the separation of enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids and the like, or to remove metal ions from dilute mining solutions.

Abstract: Porous cellulose beads are prepared by distributing droplets of a solvent mixture containing a cellulose derivative into an aqueous solution to form porous beads which are then washed and hydrolyzed to form porous cellulose beads. The porous cellulose beads, which may be cross-linked, if desired, by suitable treatment, are useful carriers to which enzymes can be immobilized.

Abstract: In the method of making low molecular weight cellulose ethers and esters by contacting such ethers or esters of higher molecular weight with HCl or other hydrogen halide gas, yellowing of the depolymerized or degraded product is inhibited by treating the dry material with SO.sub.2 at about ambient temperature. Residual acid in the product can be neutralized conveniently by treatment with a weak base such as ammonia or sodium bicarbonate. The low molecular weight-low viscosity product is useful in detergent compositions and in coatings for medical pills and capsules.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device having a plurality of pixel electrodes for transmitting light, a first panel having an activation portion for selectively activating the plurality of pixel electrodes, an orientation layer formed on the activation portion, a light shielding pattern formed on the orientation layer, a second panel having a second orientation layer, a liquid crystal formed between the first and second panels, a polarizing plate or a color filter and a protective film on at least one of the aforementioned surfaces wherein the protective layer includes a cellulose ester selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cellulose formate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and benzyl cellulose having an inherent viscosity of from about 1.0 to less than 2.0 dl/g.