Abstract: The invention encompasses composite materials having a fibrous core that is at least partially covered by a water-swellable coating layer in which the water-swellable coating layer includes a water-swellable polymer. The invention also encompasses methods for manufacturing such a composite material, and further encompasses articles of manufacture made from such composite materials and methods for manufacturing such articles.

Abstract: There are provided a porous water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether having an average pore size of 36 ?m or smaller and an average particle size of from 30 to 300 ?m; and a method for continuously producing said cellulose ether comprising the steps of: pulverizing a first water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether to obtain a first pulverized product, and sieving the pulverized product through a sieve having an opening of from 40 to 400 ?m to obtain a first residue-on-sieve and a first sieve-passing fraction, wherein a portion or all of the first residue-on-sieve containing particles having particle sizes smaller than and greater than the opening of the sieve is re-pulverized together with a second water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether in the step of pulverizing to obtain a second pulverized product, which is pulverized to obtain the cellulose ether as a second sieve-passing fraction containing the re-pulverized particles.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making methylcellulose-type ether in powder form, said method comprising (a) providing a solution of said methylcellulose-type ether in water, and (b) then separating said methylcellulose-type ether from said water to produce dried methylcellulose-type ether, with the proviso that either (i) step (b) produces said methylcellulose-type ether in powder form, or (ii) after step (b), said method additionally comprises a step (c) of subjecting said dried methylcellulose-type ether to mechanical stress to produce said methylcellulose-type ether in powder form.

Abstract: Provided are an alkyl cellulose excellent in formability when added even in a small amount and not causing marked delay in disintegration; a solid preparation comprising it; and a method for producing the solid preparation. More specifically, provided are an alkyl cellulose for use in tableting, the alkyl cellulose having a specific surface area of from 0.5 to 10.0 m2/g as measured by BET method and a solid preparation comprising the alkyl cellulose. Also provided is a method for producing the alkyl cellulose, comprising the steps of: bringing pulp into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain alkali cellulose, reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent to obtain a first alkyl cellulose, pulverizing the first alkyl cellulose, and depolymerizing the pulverized first alkyl cellulose through hydrolysis with an acid catalyst or through oxidative decomposition with an oxidant to obtain a second alkyl cellulose.

Abstract: Provided is an alkyl cellulose excellent in formability when added even in a small amount and not causing marked delay in disintegration; a solid preparation including it; and a method for producing the solid preparation. More specifically, provided is an alkyl cellulose for use in tableting, the alkyl cellulose having a specific surface area of from 0.5 to 10.0 m2/g as measured by BET method and a solid preparation including the alkyl cellulose. Also provided is a method for producing the alkyl cellulose, including the steps of: bringing pulp into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain alkali cellulose, reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent to obtain a first alkyl cellulose, pulverizing the first alkyl cellulose, and depolymerizing the pulverized first alkyl cellulose through hydrolysis with an acid catalyst or through oxidative decomposition with an oxidant to obtain a second alkyl cellulose.

Abstract: A flowable or spoonable medicament, food, food ingredient or food supplement is useful for inducing satiety. It comprises a protein and a methylcellulose (MC), wherein the weight ratio w(protein)/w(MC) is at least 0.7/1.0 and the methylcellulose has anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is 0.36 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups.

Abstract: Provided is a water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether excellent in storage stability. More specifically, provided is a method for producing a water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether including an etherification step of reacting an alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent to obtain a crude cellulose ether, a washing step of washing the crude cellulose ether to obtain a washed cellulose ether, a drying step of drying the washed cellulose ether, and a grinding step of grinding the cellulose ether during or after the drying, wherein during the washing step or in any of the steps after the washing step, a pH regulator is mixed so as to allow an aqueous 2% by weight solution of the cellulose ether as an end product to have a pH value of from 7.0 to 10.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for selectively producing a cellulose ether derivative with a very high reaction efficiency of an organohalide compound. There is provided a process for producing a cellulose ether derivative such as carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose in which a low-crystalline powdery cellulose having a crystallinity of 50% or less is reacted with an organohalide compound such as ethylene chlorohydrin, a monohaloacetic acid and a salt of the monohaloacetic acid in the presence of a base.

Abstract: Provided is nonionic and excellently stable low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose having improved compressibility and flowability, and further having improved disintegration and texture in oral cavity. More specifically provided is low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose having a crystallinity of 60% or less, a degree of hydroxypropoxyl substitution of 5 to 9% by weight, and an aspect ratio of less than 2.5, wherein the crystallinity is calculated based on a diffraction intensity by wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurement according to the following formula (1): Crystallinity(%)={(Ic?Ia)/Ic}×100??(1) wherein Ic means a diffraction intensity at a diffraction angle 2? of 22.5° and Ia means a diffraction intensity at a diffraction angle 2? of 18.5°.

Abstract: Provided are a low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose powder having high compressibility, good flowability and excellent disintegration, and a method for producing the same. More specifically, provided is a method for producing a low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose powder having a molar substitution number per anhydrous glucose unit of 0.05 to 1.0, which is insoluble in water and swollenable by absorbing water, comprising the steps of: adding an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to powdered pulp in such a manner that weight ratio of sodium hydroxide with respect to anhydrous cellulose is 0.1 to 0.3 so as to produce alkali cellulose; etherifying the obtained alkali cellulose to obtain a crude product; neutralizing the sodium hydroxide contained in the obtained crude reaction product; washing the resultant; drying; and pulverizing using by compaction-grinding.

Abstract: A composition of a loose mass of comminuted raw cotton linter fibers has a bulk density of at least 8 g/100 ml and at least 50% of the fibers in the mass passes through a US standard sieve size #10 (2 mm opening). This composition is made by obtaining a loose mass of first cut, second cut, third cut, or mill runs raw cotton linters or mixtures thereof and comminuting the loose mass of raw cotton linters to a size wherein at least 50% pass through a US standard sieve size #10 (2 mm opening). This composition is used to make cellulose ether derivatives.

Abstract: A description is given of glyoxal-treated polysaccharide derivatives which, to decrease the unbound glyoxal, are treated with an aqueous solution of one or more water-soluble aluminium salts, or one or more water-soluble borates, or a combination of one or more water-soluble aluminium salts and one or more water-soluble borates, and, if appropriate, with suitable buffer substances to set the pH, and then dried. A description is likewise given of a process for decreasing the content of unbound glyoxal in glyoxal-treated polysaccharide derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of methylhydroxypropylcellulose (MHPC) and the use thereof in mineral-bound building material systems, preferably in gypsum-bound building material systems, particularly preferably in gypsum machine plaster.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for grinding cellulose ether comprising the steps of: a) grinding a cellulose ether comprising 20 to 90 wt % of water, based on the total weight of cellulose ether and water, and a cationic surfactant in a mill; and b) optionally drying the mixture while grinding, prior to or following the step of grinding.

Abstract: Proposed is a novel soluble trauma-healing and hemostatic cellulose fiber capable of absorbing and readily dissolving hemorrhaging trauma loci when applied thereto and of promoting the hemostatic action of blood platelets and fibrin and cell adhesion to the trauma site. The coagulation protein-containing soluble trauma-healing and hemostatic cellulose fiber is produced in that after treatment of a natural or regenerated cellulose fiber with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, said fiber is carboxymethylated by reaction with a monochloro acetic acid solution for a given time (hours) in such a manner that the degree of partial substitution of the glucose units constituting the cellulose molecule (etherification degree) is 0.5-less than 1.0% and that, furthermore, the coagulation proteins fibrinogen, thrombin, and coagulation factor XIII are imparted by surface application or chemical bonding.

Abstract: Provided are a low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose powder having high compressibility, good flowability and excellent disintegration, and a method for producing the same. More specifically, provided is a method for producing a low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose powder having a molar substitution number per anhydrous glucose unit of 0.05 to 1.0, which is insoluble in water and swollenable by absorbing water, comprising the steps of: adding an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to powdered pulp in such a manner that weight ratio of sodium hydroxide with respect to anhydrous cellulose is 0.1 to 0.3 so as to produce alkali cellulose; etherifying the obtained alkali cellulose to obtain a crude product; neutralizing the sodium hydroxide contained in the obtained crude reaction product; washing the resultant; drying; and pulverizing using by compaction-grinding.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that the solution rheology of cellulose ethers prepared from cellulose pulp is altered by mercerizing and recovering cellulose pulp before preparing the cellulose ethers. For example, the solution viscosity of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produced from mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp is significantly greater than that produced from non-mercerized cellulose pulp. The present invention provides a method of preparing cellulose ethers comprising the steps of (a) obtaining mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp, and (b) converting the mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp into the cellulose ethers. According to one embodiment, the cellulose pulp is southern softwood kraft and the mercerized cellulose pulp has a TAPPI 230 om-89 viscosity of at most 12 cP. This method, however, may be applied to all cellulose pulps, regardless of their viscosities, including those which, when mercerized, have a viscosity greater than 12 cP.

Abstract: Described is a building material composition prepared from or having added thereto a particulate material selected from particulate polysaccharides or particulate polysaccharide derivatives. The particulate material of the building material composition is prepared by a method comprising: (a) forming a feed composition comprising a member selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives, and 35 wt. % to 99 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the feed composition, wherein said member is at least one of swelled and dissolved in the feed composition; (b) contacting, in a mill, the feed composition with a gas stream, thereby converting simultaneously the water of said feed composition into water vapor, and said member of said feed composition into a solid state form of finely particulate material; (c) separating the particulate material from the gas stream; and (d) optionally drying the particulate material.

Abstract: In a cellulose acylate solution, cellulose acylate is dissolved in an essentially non-chlorinated solvent. The essentially non-chlorinated solvent is a mixture of a ketone having a solubility parameter of 19 to 21 and an ester having a solubility parameter of 19 to 21. The solution further contains a releasing agent.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose polymer having a water retention property, and good feeling upon use when applied to the skin and being suitably used as a carrier. More specifically, provided is a low-substituted cellulose ether powder comprising primary particles wherein at least 95% by weight of the primary particles have an aspect ratio of 1.0 to 1.5. Also provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising, during or after the addition of an acid to an alkali solution of low-substituted cellulose ether to neutralize the solution, triturating a resulting mixture; and spray-drying a resulting dispersion. Further provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising shear-triturating a low-substituted cellulose ether powder in water so as to swell-disperse the powder and spray-drying a resulting dispersion.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that the solution rheology of cellulose ethers prepared from cellulose pulp is altered by mercerizing and recovering cellulose pulp before preparing the cellulose ethers. For example, the solution viscosity of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produced from mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp is significantly greater than that produced from non-mercerized cellulose pulp. The present invention provides a method of preparing cellulose ethers comprising the steps of (a) obtaining mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp, and (b) converting the mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp into the cellulose ethers. The mercerized cellulose pulp is typically substantially free of cellulose III. Mercerized cellulose pulp prepared by this method has a greater percentage of crystalline cellulose II and a smaller crystalline area than that of non-mercerized cellulose pulp.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose polymer having a water retention property, and good feeling upon use when applied to the skin and being suitably used as a carrier. More specifically, provided is a low-substituted cellulose ether powder comprising primary particles wherein at least 95% by weight of the primary particles have an aspect ratio of 1.0 to 1.5. Also provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising, during or after the addition of an acid to an alkali solution of low-substituted cellulose ether to neutralize the solution, triturating a resulting mixture; and spray-drying a resulting dispersion. Further provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising shear-triturating a low-substituted cellulose ether powder in water so as to swell-disperse the powder and spray-drying a resulting dispersion.

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: Disclosed is a cellulose ether composition having a low molecular weight cellulose ether of a viscosity of about 200 centipoise or less in a two percent aqueous solution at 20° C. The composition has a sodium chloride content of about 0.3 weight percent or less based upon the weight of the cellulose ether. The composition exhibits significantly reduced haze formation when in capsule form. Also disclosed is a process for making the composition.

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: A process and apparatus for screening cellulose ethers which have a finely fibrous or wad-like or woolly structure, wherein the process comprises the following steps:a) applying the cellulose ether (material to be screened) to a sieve surface,b) dividing the material to be screened into an screenable portion (acceptable size material or material passing through the sieve) and a circulating portion (oversize material or sieve surface tailings) with the aid of an agitated (preferably vibrating and/or tumbling) sieve surface,c) flushing through the agitated sieve surface from below, generally perpendicularly to the sieve surface, with an air flow,d) discharging (recovering) the acceptable size material, ande) discharging the circulating portion from the sieving system.The air flow inhibits clogging or plugging of or matting upon the sieve surface and is preferably directed upward by slit nozzles arranged below the sieve surface.

Abstract: This invention is a process for comminuting a cellulose ether which comprises extruding a hydrated cellulose ether through a plurality of orifices, each orifice having a cross-sectional area of from about 7.5.times.10.sup.-9 m.sup.2 to about 1.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2, to form an elongated extrudate, and then cutting the elongated extrudate to desired length. The high density cellulose ether product is typically cold water dispersible, non-dusty, and free flowing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) having a lower degree of substitution and to its use in textile printing.

Abstract: New 8,9-annelated-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-.beta.-carboline derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.7 are as defined herein; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof. A method of dissolving blood clots using this compound and a pharmaceutical composition having fibrinolytic activity comprising this compound are also part of the present invention.

Abstract: A modified cellulose for biocompatible dialysis membranes having a structure represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein cell is cellulose or chitin, in each case without hydroxyl groups, s=3 in the case of cellulose and s=2 in the case of chitin, R' is CH.sub.3 and/or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 and/or C.sub.3 H.sub.7, X denotes specified functional groups, R" is H or R, R"' denotes R, x+t=0.75 to 2.85, t=0 to 2.85, x=0 to 2.85, and r=0 to 1. A process for preparation of the cellulose derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulose for biocompatible dialysis membranes having a structure represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein cell is unmodified cellulose or chitin, in each case without hydroxyl groups, s=3 in the case of cellulose and s=2 in the case of chitin, R' is CH.sub.3 and/or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 and/or C.sub.3 H.sub.7, X denotes specified functional groups, m=0.75 to 2.85, and x=0.005 to 2.10. A process for preparation of the cellulose derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulose for biocompatible dialysis membranes having a structure represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein Cell is cellulose or chitin, in each case without hydroxyl groups, s=3 in the case of cellulose and s=2 in the case of chitin, R' is CH.sub.3 and/or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 and/or C.sub.3 H.sub.7, X denotes specified functional groups, R" is H or R, Z corresponds to the following groups of atoms: SR", SO.sub.3 H and salts thereof, SO-R, SONR".sub.2, SO.sub.2 -R, SO.sub.2 NR".sub.2, SO.sub.2 H and salts thereof, F, Cl, Br, I, NR".sub.2, PR".sub.2, PO.sub.3 H.sub.2 and salts thereof, PO.sub.2 H(OR), PO(OR).sub.2, PO.sub.2 HR" and salts thereof, POR"(OR) and POR".sub.2, x+t=0.75 to 2.85, t=0 to 2.85, x=0 to 2.85, and z=0.01 to 0.45. A process for preparation of the cellulose derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: High viscosity cellulose ether products are produced by grinding a substantially dry high molecular weight cellulose ether under conditions of mild mechanical impact such as those encountered in a high speed air swept impact mill. It has been found that such a cellulose ether product has several times the intrinsic viscosity of a product of substantially equivalent particle size by ball mill or hammer mill grinding.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) which are substantially nonfibrous, have a degree of substitution (D.S.) of 0.2 to 0.9 and an absorbency of at least 25 g. liquid/g. the novel CMC material, and are prepared from a cellulose furnish having a degree of polymerization (D.P.) of greater than 1,000; and to processes for preparing same. Owing to their high absorbency properties, they are particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable nonwoven products, such as adult incontinence pads, feminine hygiene products, disposable diapers and surgical dressings.

Abstract: A continuous process for the granulation of alcohol- and water-moist carboxymethyl cellulose (CM) produced by standard methods, wherein the CMC still moist with adhering aqueous alcohol is continuously introduced into a stirring unit, of which the length-to-diameter ratio is greater than 1 and of which the radial stirring elements are mounted on a shaft extending longitudinally in the stirring unit, and is taken up by the stirring elements, which rotate at a peripheral speed of at least 2 m/sec, being percussively size-reduced, and at the same time is brought into contact with steam flowing in countercurrent, and after a residence time of at least 1 minute, is discharged from the stirring unit and dried in the usual way.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions for, and methods of, increasing the viscosity of aqueous brine well servicing fluids comprising adding to the brine a composition containing hydroxyethyl cellulose, a solid organic activating agent for the hydroxyethyl cellulose, and a solvent for the activating agent which also functions as a suspending medium or carrier for the hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Abstract: A method for the production of micropowders from cellulose ethers or cellulose comprising(a) subjecting a cellulose ether or a cellulose having a fine-fiber, cottony or woolly structure to a consolidation or embrittlement sufficient whereby in one mill pass through a jet mill under standard conditions 98% by weight of the consolidated or embrittled material charged is recovered as a powder of less than 100.mu., and(b) subjecting the consolidated or embrittled material to a grinding step producing a size reduction sufficient that a grain size distribution with at least 90% by weight of less than 125.mu. is attained.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of colloidal size particles of a water-insoluble, polysaccharide derivative such as ethylcellulose is prepared by grinding the water-insoluble, polysaccharide derivative in the presence of water. A suspending agent is optionally employed to increase grinding efficiency and to form a stable suspension of the colloidal size particles.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for preparing cellulose ether derivatives which in pertinent part accomplishes this by providing for the uniform distribution of caustic and etherifying reagents over the exposed area of fiberized, never-dried, non-purified natural polysaccharide materials by fluidizing said materials while simultaneously contacting the material with said reagents.

Abstract: Finely comminuted particles of a normally solid thermoplastic organic polymer, which is particularly useful as a toner base for electrostatic reproduction utilizing pressure fusing on the toner, is prepared by dissolving a polymer in a normally solid first solvent, cooling the resulting solution to form a friable solid, and removing the first solvent from the solid, preferably by extraction with a normally liquid, relatively volatile, second solvent in which the polymer is substantially insoluble. When using the process to make magnetic mono-component toners, powered magnetic material and/or carbon black or other pigment are added to the solution of polymer and first solvent.

Abstract: In the process for the preparation of low-substituted cellulose ethers comprising the successive steps of etherification of alkali cellulose, neutralization of the crude cellulose ether, washing, drying and pulverization, the neutralization step is carried out in two stages, i.e., by first employing 5 to 80% of an acid stoichiometrically required and then adding an additional amount of the acid to complete neutralization. The cellulose ethers thus prepared can readily be pulverized into fine powder having a very good flowing property and yet an excellent binding force, and work as a suitable disintegrator in tablets.

Abstract: A method of reducing the particle size of cellulose compounds selected from the group consisting of cellulose and ether derivatives thereof which comprises grinding said compounds in a vibration mill in the presence of air and in the presence of sufficient water to yield a product having a water content of from 2 to 10% by weight, wherein at least 50% of the particles in the product have a particle size of 100 .mu. or less, a product obtained by said method and a binder composition containing said product.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in the method for the cold-milling of a cellulose derivative, in which the cellulose derivative is cooled by means of liquid nitrogen until it becomes brittle and the thus cooled cellulose derivative is milled in a mill, the improvement comprising cold-milling a cellulose derivative which is soluble or swellable in water and has a water content of between 40 and 150 percent by weight, based on its dry weight, and which is, at 20.degree. C, able to absorb, during swelling, more than 150 percent by weight of water, based on its dry weight.