Abstract: A water insoluble, biocompatible gel is prepared by reacting carboxymethylcellulose and a carbodiimide, wherein the reaction is conducted in an aqueous medium containing a water miscible organic solvent, such as a lower alkanol, an alkyl pyrrolidone, DMSO or acetone. The present method permits the reaction to contain higher concentrations of carboxymethycellylose and less carbodiimide than conventional methods.

Abstract: A compound comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-containing ligand through a dithiobenzyl linkage is described.

Abstract: A method for producing derivatized microfibrillar polysaccharide, including but not limited to cellulose, derivatized by steric and/or electrostatic forces, where the electrostatic forces are provided by anionic charge or by a combination of both anionic and cationic charge, by stabilizing and/or microfibrillating a polysaccharide starting material. A method of modifying the rheological properties of a composition of matter using derivatized microfibrillar polysaccharide. Method of improving coatings, paper manufacture, and the stability of emulsions, dispersions, and foams using a derivatized microfibrillar polysaccharide. Compositions that include derivatized microfibrillar polysaccharide, including paper compositions, comestible compositions, non-comestible spreadable compositions, and emulsions, dispersion, and foams.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for the production of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose wherein, in the formation of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose particles, a granular material obtained by granulating the reaction product is neutralized with an acid to form neutralization-precipitated particles of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose which can reduce the treating time as compared with conventional processes and, moreover, permit its ash content to be easily decreased in a subsequent washing step. Specifically, the reaction product of an alkali cellulose with a hydroxypropylating agent is granulated, and the resulting granular material is neutralized with an acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellulose ether that is hydrophobically modified with an alkyl or alkenylketene dimer of general formula (I), in which R1 and R2 are alkyl or alkenyl chain, such as one having 5 to 22, preferably 13 to 20, most preferably 14 to 18 carbons. The product can be used in water-based products to control the rheological properties, for example. Objects of use include, for example, detergents, paper coating mixtures, paints, dispersing agents, and oil drilling muds.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention is disclosed a process for the production of microcrystalline cellulose comprising

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a substantially fiber-free carboxymethyl cellulose which predominantly exhibits elastic properties, to the use thereof as a superabsorbent material, and to the use thereof as an adjuvant substance for achieving suitable rheological and water retention properties for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food sectors, and for industrial applications, e.g. as an additive for coating materials, for the sealing of cables and for use in tunnelling and in civil and underground engineering.

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: Cellulose derivatives are formed by first crosslinking cellulose and subsequently reacting the crosslinked cellulose with a reagent capable of forming a cellulose ether or ester. Many crosslinking agents are suitable but those forming ether linkages between cellulose chains are preferred. The crosslinking, in effect, increases the D.P of the cellulose so that wood celluloses are then suitable for forming compositions that previously could only be formed very high D.P celluloses; e.g., those derived from cotton linters.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a cellulose ether that is hydrophobically modified with an alkyl or alkenylketene dimer the general formula of which is 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of not less than 0.40 g/mL and a tap bulk density of not less than 0.60 g/mL and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers with a specific substitution pattern, wherein they are substituted predominantly in the C3 position of the anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new, particularly economical process for producing particulate water-soluble cellulose derivatives. The process involves forming a feed composition of swollen and/or dissolved cellulose derivative, and water. The feed composition is contacted with a carrier and heat exchange gas, in a sieve-free high rotational speed gas jet impact mill, and the cellulose derivative of the feed composition is converted into a solid state form of finely particulate particles. The particulate cellulose derivative is then separated from the heat exchange gas and carrier gas, and optionally dried. The mill drying and the particulate cellulose derivative product are influenced by establishing a specific water content in the swollen and/or dissolved cellulose derivative.

Abstract: Processes for the production of polysaccharide ethers, e.g. cellulose ethers, are disclosed wherein salts formed during the process, e.g., sodium nitrate or sodium acetate, are converted to their corresponding acids and bases by means of an electric current, preferably in combination with a bipolar membrane and suitable cation and/or anion membranes. The acids and bases recovered from the processes can be recycled, thereby avoiding the need to provide for disposal of the salts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particulate drug carriers, such as vesicles, formed from polysaccharide derivatives. A polysaccharide bearing at least one non-ionic hydrophilic group attached to an individual monosaccharide unit is hydrophobised to form a derivative bearing at least one long chain alkyl residue. Particle formation is then induced in the presence of cholesterol. The particles are suited for entrapment or conjugation of pharmaceutically active ingredients.

Abstract: A cellulose ether that is predominantly substituted in the C3 position of the anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose is described. In an embodiment of the present invention, the partial degree of substitution in the C3 position of the cellulose ether is ≧60%, based on the total degree of substitution. Also described is a process for preparing the cellulose ether of the present invention. The process involves, reacting cellulose, dissolved in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide monohydrate (NMMNO) and optionally other inert organic solvents, with alkylation reagents. The reaction takes place in the presence of: (i) an insoluble solid phase catalyst, e.g., solid ion exchange resins based on polystyrene having quaternary ammonium groups; (ii) stabilizers, e.g., propyl gallate; and (iii) optionally additional soluble co-catalysts, e.g., trimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agglomerate containing at least one of the following water-soluble or water-dispersible materials as a bonding base polymer: carboxylized and/or alkoxylized starch, cellulose ether and fully synthetic vinyl polymers and/or polyacrylates. The agglomerate is characterized in that it contains a blasting agent which produces a high swelling pressure, but, advantageously, does not gel. The agglomerate can have a regular geometric form or not. Its weight should be between 0.5 and 500 g. The agglomerate is used in particular in the production of lump-free paste.

Abstract: The composition formed by mixing an organosilane, optionally having a nonhydrolizable organic group, but having one or more hydrolyzable groups, with a polyol containing at least two hydroxy groups, wherein at least any two of the hydroxy groups are separated by no more than two intervening atoms. Water-stabilized organosilane compounds. A water stable composition made from the polyol and organosilane or compound and water. A method of treating a substrate by mixing or contacting the substrate with the product, compound, or composition of this invention for a period of time sufficient for treatment of the substrate. A treated substrate having adhered thereto the product, compound, or composition of this invention. A method of dyeing and treating a substrate. A method of antimicrobially treating a food article. A method of antimicrobially coating a fluid container. A method of antimicrobially coating a latex medical article. A method of making a siloxane in the presence of a stabilizer.

Abstract: Condensation polymers, such as polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, can be combined with polysiloxanes in a single molecule to provide several potential benefits, depending upon the specific combination employed, including: (a) wet strength resins that soften; (b) softeners that do not reduce dry or wet tensile strength; (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry tensile ratio; (d) softeners/debonders with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) wet strength aids with controlled absorbency rate; and (f) Yankee dryer additives that provide surface protection and adhesion with controlled release properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of an alkali cellulose which exhibits a very uniform distribution of alkali in the alkali cellulose and has a high bulk density. Moreover, the high bulk density of the alkali cellulose makes it possible to charge a smaller reaction vessel with a greater amount of the alkali cellulose in an etherification reaction step and thereby produce a cellulose ether having very excellent solubility. Specifically, powdered pulp obtained by grinding pulp to a powder is continuously fed to a double-shaft kneader and mixed with an aqueous alkaline solution which is simultaneously and continuously fed thereto through the same inlet port or at another site. After they are mixed and densified within the kneader, the resulting product is continuously discharged from an outlet port. The feed rate of the powdered pulp is controlled by a metering feeder so as to feed it at a desired flow rate.

Abstract: The invention concerns reactive cellulose, i.e. cellulose having in particular a very low degree of crystallinity obtainable with a high degree of purity. Said novel reactive cellulose is particularly used as raw material for making cellulose ethers. The invention is characterized in that the reactive cellulose is substituted by organic groups according to a degree of substitution, DS, of less than 0.2, preferably between 0.04 and 0.2.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of extracting arabinoxylan from corn fiber wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) heating an aqueous mixture of corn fiber and a liquid; (b) contacting the mixture of step (a) with a protease enzyme, thereby providing a proteolyzed corn fiber and a liquid; (c) separating the liquid from the proteolyzed corn fiber; (d) contacting the proteolyzed corn fiber at least once with an alkaline extractant, thereby providing an insoluble cellulose material and a liquid comprising arabinoxylan; (e) separating the insoluble cellulose material from the liquid comprising arabinoxylan; and (f) reducing the volume of the liquid comprising arabinoxylan by removing excess alkaline extractant, thereby providing a concentrated liquid comprising from about 10% to about 50% solids, wherein the solids comprise arabinoxylan. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods of preparing novel arabinoxylan esters and ethers.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose exhibiting good granulation characteristics and tablet properties. Specifically, there is provided low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a hydroxypropoxyl content in the range of 5.0 to 16.0% by weight and an apparent average degree of polymerization in the range of 350 to 700.

Abstract: Polysaccharides, including hydroxyethyl cellulose, having alkyl-aryl hydrophobic substitution, provide latex compositions, such as paints, with improved rheology and stability. Improved processes for producing such polysaccharides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for extracting a stereoisomer fro biomass. The method comprises providing biomass and subjecting the biomass to substantially instantaneous pressurization and depressurization to separate cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin from the biomass. The hemicellulose is hydrolyzed to form hemicellulose hydrolysates. The hydrolysates are separated using chromatography.

Abstract: Conjugates of a hydrophobic moiety, such as a lipid, linked through a cleavable dithiobenzyl linkage to a therapeutic agent are described. The dithiobenzyl linkage is susceptible to cleavage by mild thiolysis, resulting in release of the therapeutic agent in its original form. The linkage is stable under nonreducing conditions. The conjugate can be incorporated into liposomes for administration in vivo and release of the therapeutic agent in response to endogeneous in vivo reducing conditions or in response to administration of an exogeneous reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of not less than 0.40 g/mL and a tap bulk density of not less than 0.60 g/mL and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A compound comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-containing ligand through a dithiobenzyl linkage is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new, particularly economic process for preparing pulverulent polysaccharide derivatives, in particular cellulose derivatives, having a thermal flocculation point; the process comprises soaking or dissolving the polysaccharide derivative in a solvent or mixed solvent, dividing/comminuting the soaked or dissolved polysaccharide derivative by thermal and/or mechanical liquid separation and an optional drying step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, organosilylated cellulose ethers in which the organosilyl groups are attached hydrolysis-stably to the cellulose ethers and the remaining substituents on the silicon atoms of the organosilyl groups are likewise stable to hydrolysis. The cellulose ethers of the invention exhibit a strongly thickening action in aqueous solution, even at very low degrees of silylation, and are suitable as thickeners, for example, in paints, adhesives, and cosmetics. They are further suitable as protective colloids in the preparation of polymer dispersions.

Abstract: In the process according to the invention, the cellulose ether to be depolymerized is depolymerized in the form of an acid slurry in an apparatus which consists of an acid-resistant material and is provided with an inlet and outlet, where the inlet and outlet are separated from one another by a filter element, at a temperature above the flocculation temperature of the depolymerized cellulose ether in the space between the inlet and the filter element, subsequently neutralized and then separated from the filtrate by releasing the filtrate, which, in contrast to the cellulose ether, is not retained by the filter element. If necessary, this can be followed by purification and drying of the cellulose ether.

Abstract: Stable, cold water soluble, ready for use starch aldehyde compositions and the method of preparation of such compositions wherein an aqueous dispersion of a converted starch acetal is hydrolyzed under acidic conditions to form the starch aldehyde which is then spray dried into a cold water soluble starch aldehyde powder.

Abstract: There is a process for making a cellulose ether. The process comprises the following: a) alkalyzing a cellulose pulp; b) etherifying the alkalyzed cellulose pulp to form a cellulose ether; c) washing the cellulose ether; d) drying the cellulose ether; e) milling the cellulose ether to a particulate form; f) heating the particulate cellulose ether; g) tumbling the particulate cellulose ether while simultaneously contacting it with an acid to partially depolymerize it to a lower molecular weight; h) partially or substantially neutralizing the acid. There is also an apparatus for making the cellulose ether.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is a methylcellulose having a methoxy substitution of about 21 to about 42 percent based upon the weight of the cellulose ether and elastic modulus (EM) of EM≧181.3×(v0.2711) wherein “v” is viscosity of a two percent solution of the cellulose ether at 20° C. Further described is a process for making the cellulose ether, a food composition containing it, and a pharmaceutical capsule containing it.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for enhancing the toughness, e.g., resistance to cracking upon flexation, of coatings made from cycloaliphatic epoxide derivatives wherein the cycloaliphatic epoxide derivative is a cycloaliphatic epoxide ester of a hydroxy-functional compound containing at least one branched, 1,2-alkylene oxide unit. Processes for making the cycloaliphatic epoxide derivatives and coating formulations comprising the cycloaliphatic epoxide derivatives are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water-soluble, nonionic cellulose ethers selected from the group consisting of alkylcelluloses and hydroxyalkylcelluloses which are additionally substituted by butenyl groups are used as protective colloids in the preparation of aqueous polymer dispersions.

Abstract: Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), methylhydroxypropylcellulose (MHPC), carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose (CMHEC), guar, starch, xanthan, hydroxypropylguar (HP Guar) or carboxymethylhydroxypropylguar (CMHP Guar) are stepwise or continuously reacted with hydrogen peroxide to produce aqueous compositions with a solids content greater than 5% by weight at a viscosity at 25.degree. C. below 9500 mPa.s. It is preferred to use 30-50% hydrogen peroxide to depolymerize the polysaccharide.

Abstract: Reaction at the interface of an organic solution containing an acidic reactant and an aqueous alkaline solution containing nonreducing carbohydrates such as sucrose, sugar alcohols, cyclodextrins, and polysaccharides imparts a specificity to the reaction for one or more of the primary alcohol groups of the carbohydrate reactant. The resulting activated, nonreducing carbohydrate intermediate can then be converted to a series of substantially pure, low molecular weight reaction products, including a sucrose trimer and dianhydrosucrose, and to a series of substantially pure, higher molecular weight reaction products, including 6-O-sucro cyclodextrins and poly-6-O-sucro amylose.

Abstract: A water insoluble, biocompatible composition that includes the reaction product of a polyanionic polysaccharide and an activating agent.

Abstract: A microporous, cross-linked, reversibly responsive gel obtainable from a polymeric precursor is disclosed. The microporous gels exhibit a volume change response on the order of seconds, many times faster than nonporous volume change gels of similar dimension. A method of making a microporous, fast response and reversibly responsive gel having a defined pore size and defined strut thickness is also disclosed. The method comprises preparing a polymer solution having a certain initial concentration of polymer precursor, initiating phase separation of the polymer to produce a phase separated state; cross-linking the polymer in its phase separated state or cross-linking the polymer prior in its phase separated state, or both prior to and during its phase separated state, for a certain cross-linking reaction time; and allowing gelation to be completed. Particular uses of the fast response gels are also described. In one embodiment, a method for purifying and concentrating a solute from a solution is described.

Abstract: Sulfonated regenerated cellulose fiber obtained by adding a modifier to a viscose dope or alkali cellulose or cellulose solution and spinning fiber therefrom, wherefor the modifier is a starch etherified with C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 -alkylsulfonic acid radicals and having a degree of substitution of 0.1 to 3, a starch admixed with vinylsulfonic acid or a styrenesulfonic acid, or a polymeric styrenesulfonic acid or polymeric vinylsulfonic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for chemically modifying polysaccharides in a densified fluid. In particular, the modification includes esterification and/or etherification of a starch in supercritical carbon dioxide. The process is advantageous in that it allows for a high degree of substitution without the use of organic solvents or repeated reactions.

Abstract: The composition formed by mixing an organosilane, optionally having a nonhydrolizable organic group, but having one or more hydrolyzable groups, with a polyol containing at least two hydroxy groups, wherein at least any two of the hydroxy groups are separated by no more than two intervening atoms. Water-stabilized organosilane compounds. A water stable composition made from the polyol and organosilane or compound and water. A method of treating a substrate by mixing or contacting the substrate with the product, compound, or composition of this invention for a period of time sufficient for treatment of the substrate. A treated substrate having adhered thereto the product, compound, or composition of this invention. A method of dyeing and treating a substrate. A method of antimicrobially treating a food article. A method of antimicrobially coating a fluid container. A method of antimicrobially coating a latex medical article. A method of making a siloxane in the presence of a stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aqueous suspension of a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether cross-linked with glyoxal, in the presence of an electrolytic salt which gives a pH value below 8.0 in water and at the concentration involved. Conveniently, the suspension is produced by mixing the water included with a dry blend containing the cellulose ether and the electrolytic salt, and preferably the other components of the suspension as well.

Abstract: A new family of polysaccharide graft polymers are provided as corrosion resistant coatings having antimicrobial properties which are useful on light metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc, steel and their alloys. Methods of making the polysaccharide graft polymers are also included. The methods of making the polysaccharide graft polymers involve reacting a polysaccharide source with an antimicrobial agent under conditions of hydrolysis-condensation.

Abstract: In a method of producing a suspension of a nonionic cellulose ether that has no turbidity point, the water forming part of the suspension is mixed with a dry mixture containing a cellulose ether, which is cross-linked with glyoxal, and an electrolyte salt. This electrolyte salt consists of a salt of a mixture of salts which, in water and at the concentration employed, results in a pH value below 8.0. Preferably, the cellulose ether is a hydroxyethylcellulose.

Abstract: Thermally gelling emulsion compositions which reversibly increase in either loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon contact with the eye, skin, mucous membrane or body cavity are disclosed. The emulsion compositions contain one or more nonionic substituted cellulose ethers and do not require a charged surfactant or a pH-sensitive polymer for such increase in loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon administration. In one embodiment, the compositions gel upon instillation in the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystalline, photo cross-linkable main-chain polymer used as interferentially effective, chromophoric substance for colored paints, in which the main mesogenic groups are disposed at least approximately in a chiral-nematic manner. An etherified cellulose ether or a mixture of several etherified cellulose ethers is used pursuant to the invention as liquid crystalline main-chain polymer or polymers wherein:the cellulose ethers have a molecular weight of 500 to 1,000,000,the anhydroglucose units of the cellulose ethers are etherified with an average degree of molar substitution of 2 to 7 with propylene oxide or ethylene oxide units (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O- or C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O-units), andthe cellulose ethers are etherified with an average degree of molar substitution of 1.5 to 3 with unsaturated hydrocarbon groups (C.sub.r H.sub.2r-1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, particularly ternary, preferably ionic, cellulose mixed ethers, more particularly to anionic water-soluble cellulose mixed ethers, as additives for drilling fluid applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are hair spray compositions containing non-ionic cellulosic ethers in a solvent base containing water and volatile organic solvent wherein the level of volatile organic solvent in the composition is about 80% or less, and wherein the non-ionic cellulose ether is characterized by a solution viscosity of less than about 50 cps at 25.degree. C. for an aqueous solution containing 3 wt. % solids and 55 wt. % ethanol. The preferred non-ionic cellulosic ether is methylhydroxypropyl cellulose.