Abstract: The method for producing medium viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose from date palm fronds includes drying date palm fronds, grinding the dried date palm fronds to a powder, mixing the powder with an alkaline solution to a provide a slurry, isolating a cellulose extract from the slurry, drying the cellulose extract, grinding the dried cellulose extract to a powder, adding isopropanol to the powder to provide a mixture, adding an alkaline solution to the mixture to provide an alkaline mixture, and adding a mixture of monochloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid to the alkaline mixture to provide carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as an alkaline salt thereof. The CMC can be used for cultivating desert land while saving water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogel comprising a hydrophilic gelling agent that includes a nonionic cellulose ether, and active thermolysin, wherein the proteolytic activity of the thermolysin does not decrease by more than 20% when stored at room temperature for 6 months.

Abstract: In order to obtain a crosslinked cellulose without derivatization, a polymer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a polymer having a structure in which cellulose substantially represented by the following formula (c1) is crosslinked with a polyfunctional epoxy compound: wherein in the formula (c1), n represents an integer of 2 or more.

Abstract: A nacre-mimetic environmentally friendly composite membrane with an “interpenetrating petal” structure and a preparation method thereof. Materials for preparing the composite membrane include magadiite, CMC and a bis-silane coupling agent. The composite membrane according to the present invention has an “interpenetrating petal” stable structure with non-parallel petal-shaped lamellar structure. In addition, inorganic sheets intersperse with each other to form an interlock.

Abstract: A ceramic precursor batch composition comprising inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients, a hydrophobically modified cellulose ether binder having a molecular weight less than or equal to about 300,000 g/mole and an aqueous solvent is provided. The ceramic precursor batch composition has a ratio of binder to aqueous solvent of less than about 0.32. The ceramic precursor batch composition may be used to increase the rate of extrusion of the composition. A method for increasing a rate of extrusion of a ceramic precursor batch composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present technology provides processes for cross-linking cellulose ethers under mild conditions. The processes include exposing a substantially dry cellulose ether film to a polyisocyanate to provide a cross-linked cellulose ether film, wherein the substantially dry cellulose ether film comprises alkoxide groups on the cellulose. The resulting cellulose ether films are highly cross-linked by polyurethane linkages and may be used as membranes in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a water-soluble cellulose ether having a low degree of polymerization and enhanced whiteness, and the like. The method includes the steps of: bringing a pulp powder having a multiplication product of less than 0.004 mm2 which is obtained by multiplying a number-average fiber length by a number-average fiber width, each measured with a Kajaani fiber length analyzer, into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide to obtain an alkali cellulose; reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent to obtain a crude water-soluble cellulose ether having a high degree of polymerization; purifying the crude water-soluble cellulose ether; drying the purified water-soluble cellulose ether; grinding the dried water-soluble cellulose ether into a water-soluble cellulose ether powder; and depolymerizing the water-soluble cellulose ether powder to obtain the water-soluble cellulose ether having a low degree of polymerization.

Abstract: A process for reducing the average molecular weight of a cellulose ether comprises the step of contacting a cellulose ether with an acid to partially depolymerize it to a lower molecular weight in a diluent comprising at least 50 weight percent of an organic hydroxylic compound having at least one hydroxy group and at least two carbon atoms.

Abstract: Scaffold comprises a polymer defining macropores and comprising hydroxypropylcellulose partially substituted by a substituent comprising a self-crosslinkable group, which is crosslinked through the self-crosslinkable group. The macropores have an average pore size larger than 50 microns and are at least partially interconnected. In one method, bicontinuous emulsion comprising a continuous aqueous phase and a continuous polymer phase is formed. The polymer phase comprises hydroxypropylcellulose partially substituted by a substituent comprising a self-crosslinkable group, and is crosslinked through the self-crosslinkable group to form a polymer defining at least partially interconnected pores. In another method, phase separation is induced in a solution comprising a polymer precursor and water to form a bicontinuous emulsion comprising a continuous polymer phase and a continuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry or slurry process to prepare phosphate-crosslinked cellulose ethers from a cellulose starting material comprising the steps of adding an alkalizing agent to the cellulose starting material to achieve mercerization, adding an ethehfying agent to the reaction mixture to achieve etherification of the cellulose, and adding a crosslinking agent to the reaction mixture to achieve crosslinking of the cellulose, wherein at least part of the alkalizing agent is added to the cellulose starting material before the etherification and/or crosslinking reactions take place to obtain alkalized cellulose; the crosslinking agent and the etherifying agent are added one after the other in random order or simultaneously; the crosslinking agent is an alkali metal thmetaphosphate; and the crosslinking and etherification steps are performed at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for producing a very low viscosity cellulose ether having little or no discoloration and cellulose ether products resulting therefrom. The method includes contacting a cellulose ether with an oxidizing agent and an acid to form a mixture. The mixture is then heated and neutralized. The method includes adding a second oxidizing agent to the mixture and forming a very low viscosity cellulose ether having a viscosity from 1.2 cP to less than 2 cP. The very low viscosity ether may also have an APHA color value of 1 to 100.

Abstract: A process for reducing the average molecular weight of a cellulose ether comprises the step of contacting a cellulose ether with an acid to partially depolymerize it to a lower molecular weight in a diluent comprising at least 50 weight percent of an organic hydroxylic compound having at least one hydroxy group and at least two carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonionic methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose ether having a flocculation temperature of 70-95° C., a DS-methyl of 0.1-0.8 and a DS-ethyl of 0.1-0.7. The cellulose ether has versatile properties and may be used as a thickening agent or a rheology modifier in an aqueous formulation, such as an aqueous latex-containing paint composition. A process for manufacturing the cellulose ether is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is characterized in that when 3 pbw of the nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is added to a mixture of 90 pbw of cordierite, 10 pbw of ordinary Portland cement, and 33 pbw of water, immediately followed by kneading at 20° C. and 20 rpm, a maximum torque for kneading is reached within 180 seconds from the addition. It is suitable as an admixture for extrudable hydraulic compositions. The hydraulic composition to which the inventive admixture is added can be kneaded within a brief time into a uniform mass which is smoothly extrudable.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with film-forming compositions containing hydrolysates of the exopolysaccharide YAS34 for the use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, food, cosmetic or other products like films for wrapping food, aspics or jellies, preferably for predosed formulations like soft or hard capsules.

Abstract: A nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is characterized in that when 3 pbw of the nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is added to a mixture of 90 pbw of cordierite, 10 pbw of ordinary Portland cement, and 33 pbw of water, immediately followed by kneading at 20° C. and 20 rpm, a maximum torque for kneading is reached within 180 seconds from the addition. It is suitable as an admixture for extrudable hydraulic compositions. The hydraulic composition to which the inventive admixture is added can be kneaded within a brief time into a uniform mass which is smoothly extrudable.

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: Provided is an agent serving as a binder and a disintegrant for dry direct compression having a high binding property and fluidity. More specifically, provided are low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having coiled fibers; an agent serving both as a binder and a disintegrant for dry direct compression and a solid preparation, each comprising the low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose; and a process for producing the low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having coiled fibers.

Abstract: A cellulose ester film is disclosed which comprises a polyhydric alcohol ester, which is an ester of one or more kinds of monocarboxylic acids with an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol, wherein the cellulose ester film has a water vapor transmission rate of from 20 to 260 g/m2·24 hours measured under conditions of 25° C. and 90% RH.

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: The present invention relates to a method for depolymerizing galactomannan and derivatives thereof. The present invention relates to compositions comprising galactomannan and derivatives thereof prepared according to the methods of this invention and uses for the compositions. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising hydroxypropylgalactomannan having a specific polydispersity index, weight average molecular weight and viscosity in solution.

Abstract: Environmentally acceptable well cement fluid loss control additives, cement compositions including the additives and methods of using the compositions are provided. The environmentally acceptable fluid loss control additives are comprised of ethoxylated hydroxyethylcellulose having a reduced molecular weight.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A cement pumpability-enhancing additive which confers good pumpability on cementitious compositions such as concrete consists essentially of(a) polyethylene glycol;(b) diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and/or a derivative thereof;(c) polysaccharide; and(d) a thickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid derivatives, polyacrylic amide derivatives, cellulose ethers, polyphenyl ethers and polyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters;the weight solids proportions of (a), (b), (c), and (d) in the additive being respectively 5-55%, 10-80%, 1-20% and 1-20%. The additive is preferably used with a cement dispersing agent.

Abstract: A method of accumulating a drug and a form of hyaluronic acid in the skin and/or exposed tissue of a human includes topically administering a therapeutically effective dosage amount of a formulation which comprises at least 5 mg/cm.sup.2 of the form of hyaluronic acid and a therapeutically effective amount of the drug.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided comprising:(1) an agent selected from a medicinal agent and a therapeutic agent and combinations thereof in a therapeutically effective amount to treat a disease or condition in humans who will benefit from the treatment with the agent; and(2) hyaluronic acid and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and/or fragments, and subunits of hyaluronic acid, characterized in that said composition(a) is in a dosage form which is suitable for administration in humans; and(b) is in a form in which (i) component (1) is in an effective dosage amount to treat said disease or condition by penetration at the site to be treated; and (ii) component (2) is immediately available to transport component (1) at the site to be treated, and which component (2) is in an effective non-toxic amount to facilitate the transport of component (1) upon administration, through the tissue including scar tissue, at the site to be treated and through the cell membranes or the individual cells to be

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

Abstract: Novel methods are described to synthesize chromatography media. The methods describe a crosslinking procedure utilizing the catalytic effect of MnO(OH).sub.2 in obtaining a very rigid matrix. The mechanism of crosslinking is likely of free-radical type. This is also suggested by the concurrent functionalization steps which are known to be of free-mechanism and are greatly enhanced by MnO(OH).sub.2. The methods are simple and efficient as crosslinking and functionalization of the matrix takes place in the same step. High protein binding capacities are obtained along with an increased efficiency of the matrix. One particularly preferred process according to the present invention comprises: (1) reacting a polymeric carbohydrate matrix with an activating reagent which contains a halogen atom or epoxide and a double bond under alkaline conditions to generate an activated matrix; (2) reacting the activated matrix having double bonds inserted with a reagent or reagents producing MnO(OH).sub.

Abstract: A dosage amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an agent to treat a disease or condition involving underperfused tissue and pathological tissue in humans and a form of hyaluronic acid, wherein the form of hyaluronic acid is available to transport the agent from the point of administration to the site to be treated.

Abstract: A topically administrable pharmaceutical composition is disclosed which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a drug which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, and an amount of a form of hyaluronic acid sufficient to transport the composition through the skin into the epidermis or dermis where the composition remains until discharged via the lymphatic system, wherein(a) the drug is 1-5% by weight of the composition, and(b) the form of hyaluronic acid is 1-3% by weight of the composition, has a molecular weight greater than about 150,000 daltons and less than 750,000 daltons, and is selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid and salts thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cationic polysaccharide, preferably in fibrous form, having superabsorbent characteristics. The polysaccharides are substituted by quaternary ammonium groups, have a ds of at least 0.5, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 and are cross-linked to a sufficient extent that it remains insufficient in water. The polysaccharide is preferably cellulose. An increased number of functional groups in the product improves superabsorbent properties, whereas use of a cross-linking agent makes it possible to control the gel strength of the product and makes it easier to tailor the characteristics of the product to those which are required.

Abstract: A derivatized polysaccharide in which at least a portion of the active hydrogens originally present in the polysaccharide are substituted by monovalent aliphatic groups containing at least two carboxylic acid groups to an extent sufficient to provide a degree of substitution of at least about 0.1. The monovalent aliphatic groups contain from 4 to about 10 carbon atoms. The polysaccharide may be cellulose. At least a portion of the carboxylic acid groups present in the derivatized polysaccharide may be crosslinked permanently or reversibly. The monovalent aliphatic groups containing at least two carboxylic acid groups may be derived from 2,3-epoxysuccinic acid; 1,2-epoxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 2-(epoxyethyl)-succinic acid; or mixtures thereof. Also provided is a method of preparing a derivatized polysaccharide.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal for a condition of the skin or exposed tissue selected from the group consisting of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis is provided. The method consists essentially of topically administering to the site of the condition, more than once per day over a period of days sufficient to treat the condition, a non-toxic effective dosage amount of a composition consisting essentially of(a) a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in an amount sufficient to block prostaglandin synthesis,(b) hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount effective to transport said NSAID into the skin or exposed tissue at the site of the condition. The concentration of the hyaluronic add or salt thereof is between 1-3% by weight of the composition. The molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid or salt thereof is between 150,000 and 750,000 Daltons. A pharmaceutical excipient suitable for topical application is included.

Abstract: Grafted polysaccharide compositions comprising polysaccharides grafted with antioxidants on at least one hydroxyl group of the polysaccharide. The use of antioxidant grafted polysaccharides or antioxidant grafted crosslinked polysaccharides as a treatment for arthritis, as a drug delivery vehicle, to reduce the incidence of post-operative adhesion formation, to promote the healing of chronic wounds and ulcers, and as a component of cosmetic formulations.

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: Cellulose ether derivatives comprising a hydrophobic substituent having an unsaturated alkyl portion are disclosed. The unsaturation in the alkyl portion of the hydrophobic substituent can promote crosslinking of the cellulose ether derivative. The cellulose ether derivatives are useful as ingredients in latex compositions. The cellulose ether derivatives can provide associative thickening and rheological properties to latex composition during storage and application. In addition, after the latex composition is applied to the surface to be coated, the cellulose ethers of the present invention can promote crosslinking of the latex film to provide a hard and durable coating. Latex paint compositions comprising the cellulose ether derivatives of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.

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 to 50% hydrogen peroxide to depolymerize the polysaccharide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.

Abstract: The diosmin heptakis (hydrogensulfate) aluminum complex is described, as l as its preparation procedure, characterized by reacting one mole of diosmin with seven moles of a sulfating agent in a dry medium and treatment with an aqueous aluminum hydroxycloride solution of the diosmin heptakis (hydrogensulfate) sodium salt thus obtained. A description of pharmacological assays carried out to confirm the cytoprotective action of the product is included.

Abstract: Aqueous emulsions of polyisocyanates comprising at least one cellulose derivative dissolved in water, and at least one polyisocyanate having a low, medium and/or high molecular weight.

Abstract: Aqueous emulsions of polyisocyanates comprising at least one cellulose deative dissolved in water, and at least one polyisocyanate having a low, medium and/or high molecular weight.