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: An admixture comprising (A) a nonionic water-soluble hydroxyethyl cellulose and/or hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose having a viscosity of at least 500 mPa·s as measured in a 1 wt % aqueous solution at 20° C., and (B) another nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether having a viscosity of at least 1,500 mPa·s as measured in a 1 wt % aqueous solution at 20° C. is suited for use in extrudable hydraulic compositions, because the hydraulic compositions comprising the admixture are effectively extrudable into hardened products having improved surface properties, minimized spring-back and good dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing reactive cellulose for use in the manufacture of cellulose acetate having superior clarity by mercerizing hardwood cellulosic material and reacting it with an hydroxyalkylating agent to a degree of molar substitution ranging from 0.04 to 0.15 per anhydroglucose unit in cellulose.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polymeric demulcent-containing ophthalmic composition. The method includes immersing a polymeric demulcent in water or in an aqueous solution containing one or more ingredients, agitating the water or solution at 25 to 45° C. until the polymeric demulcent is dissolved to form a polymeric demulcent-containing solution, and optionally adding one or more other ingredients to the polymeric demulcent-containing solution.

Abstract: A description is given of cellulose derivatives having gel-like rheological properties in aqueous solution characterized in that:

Abstract: The process for preparing an alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ether comprises the steps of: a) alkalizing cellulose to obtain alkali cellulose, b) reacting alkali cellulose with an alkyl halogenide until an alkyl cellulose ether with a D.S. (alkyl) value of from o.7 to 2.5. is attained, c) removing excess alkyl halogenide from the reaction mixture, and d) reacting the alkyl cellulose ether with an alkylene oxide in a liquid suspending agent to produce an alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ether. An alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ether is produced which has an D.S. (alkyl) of from 0.7 to 2.5 and an MS (hydroxyalkyl) from 0.o3 to 2.0, wherein not more that 15 percent of the hydroxyalkyl groups are capped with an alkyl group.

Abstract: A method of producing a cellulose derivative aqueous dispersion, comprising:

Abstract: The invention concerns cellulose microfibrils with modified surface, characterised in that the hydroxyl functions present at the surface of the microfibrils are etherified with at least an organic compound comprising at least a function capable of reacting with said hydroxyl functions, and the degree of surface substitution (DSs) is at least 0.05. The invention also concerns a method for obtaining said microfibrils and their use as agent for modifying viscosity, texture and/or as reinforcing filler.

Abstract: An anionic cellulose ether obtainable by a process comprising reacting an alkali metal cellulose with one or more reagents A selected from the group consisting of haloacetic acids, alkali metal haloacetates, alkali metal vinyl sulfonates, vinyl sulfonic acid, and precursors thereof, and one or more reagents B having the formula R1—(OCH2CH(R2))n-P, wherein R2 represents hydrogen or a methyl group; n is 0-2; P represents a glycidyl ether group, a 1,2-epoxy group or a precursor thereof, if P represents a glycidyl ether group, R1 represents a linear C3-C5 alkyl group, optionally containing an oxygen atom, a phenyl group, or a benzyl group, and if P represents a 1,2-epoxy group, R1 represents a linear C3-C5 alkyl group, optionally containing an oxygen atom. Preferably, reagent A is chloroacetic acid and reagent B is n-butyl glycidyl ether. The invention also relates to the use of said anionic cellulose ether as an associative thickener, rheology modifier or stabilizer.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose ether is selected by judging whether the number of undissolved fibers having a size of 16-200 &mgr;m is up to 350 fibers/2 ml in a 0.1 wt % aqueous solution of the cellulose ether at 25° C. This water-soluble cellulose ether forms an aqueous solution which can be filtered without clogging and can form a very thin film without defectives.

Abstract: Polysaccharides, which are widely used as an anticoagulation drugs, especially heparin, are clinically administered only by intravenous or subcutaneous injection because of their strong hydrophilicity and high negative charge. Amphiphilic heparin derivatives were synthesized by conjugation to bile acids, sterols, and alkanoic acids, respectively. These heparin derivatives were slightly hydrophobic, exhibited good solubility in water, and have high anticoagulation activity. These slightly hydrophobic heparin derivatives are efficiently absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and can be used in oral dosage forms. Methods of using these amphiphilic heparin derivatives and similarly modified macromolecules for oral administration are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suspension of a water-soluble, nonionic cellulose ether having a fairly low content of an electrolytic salt exhibiting a high stability and a low viscosity. The suspension having a pH-value of below 8.0, contains 10-30% by weight of a water-soluble, nonionic cellulose ether, and 10-22% by weight of an electrolytic salt, wherein the electrolytic salt contains a) 10-90% by weight of a salt of polyphosphate having 3-12 phosphate groups, and b) 10-90% by weight of a salt selected from the group consisting of ortophosphate, pyrophosphate, sulphate, carbonate and a mixture thereof. The suspension is advantageously produced by adding a dry blend containing the water-soluble cellulose ether in cross-linked form and the electrolytic salt to water.

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: 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: Formulations for enhanced mucosal absorption of heparin are disclosed. In one embodiment, a powdered heparin composition is made by dissolving an amphiphilic heparin derivative including heparin covalently bonded to a hydrophobic agent in a water phase, dispersing the water phase in an organic phase such that an emulsion is formed, and drying the emulsion. In another embodiment, an amorphiphilic heparin derivative dispersed in an oil phase is made by dissolving the amphiphilic heparin derivative in water or a water/organic co-solvent, dispersing the water or co-solvent in the oil phase, and evaporating the water or co-solvent. In another embodiment, heparin-containing nanoparticles having surfactant molecules associated with a hydrophobic agent on the outside of the nanoparticles are made by dissolving the amphiphilic heparin derivative in an aqueous solvent, mixing the surfactant with the aqueous solvent, and disrupting nanoparticles of the amphiphilic heparin derivative.

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: 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: Provided are a solid preparation which rapidly disintegrates in the oral cavity when taken together with the saliva in the oral cavity or a small amount of water, can be prepared easily and has strength enough to retain its formability upon production or during distribution; and a production process of the solid preparation. Specifically, provided are a solid preparation comprising a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of 0.40 g/ml or greater and a tapped bulk density of 0.60 g/ml or greater, and a sugar and/or sugar alcohol; and a production process of the solid preparation. Also provided are a solid preparation comprising a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a volume-average particle size as measured by the dry laser diffraction method of 25 &mgr;m or less which is obtained by pulverizing a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of 0.40 g/ml or greater, a tapped bulk density of 0.

Abstract: A water-soluble, biodegradable hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester is disclosed. The hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester has: (i) a molecular degree of substitution of the hydroxyalkyl group of less than 1.5 (MShydroxyalkyl<1.5); and (ii) a molecular degree of substitution of the 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid group of greater than 0.4 and less than 3 (0.4<MS2-hydroxycarboxylic acid<3). Also described is a method of preparing the hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester, and methods of using it, e.g., as a consistency regulator in at least one of foodstuffs, cosmetics, building materials, paints and strippers.

Abstract: This invention provides &bgr;-D-Glucuronidase substrates of the formula: wherein R1, R2, and R7-R12 are independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, alkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, carboxyl and nitro groups; R3-R6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitro and amino; and M+ is selected from the group consisting of: proton, lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, and ammonium ion.

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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to associative cellulose ethers with improved thickening effects, especially in paint. The improvement depends on the presence of a hydrophobic modifying group of the general formula where R is an aliphatic group of 12-22 carbon atoms and n is a number from 3 to 7. The DS of the hydrophobic group is 0.003 to 0.012.

Abstract: Polysaccharides, which are widely used as an anticoagulation drugs, especially heparin, are clinically administered only by intravenous or subcutaneous injection because of their strong hydrophilicity and high negative charge. Amphiphilic heparin derivatives were synthesized by conjugate to bile acids, sterols, and alkanoic acids, respectively. The hydrophobicity of the heparin derivatives depended on the feed mole ratio of heparin to hydrophobic agent. The heparin derivatives were slightly hydrophobic and exhibited good solubility in a water-acetone solvent, as well as water. The heparin derivatives have a high anticoagulant activity. These slightly hydrophobic heparin derivatives can be absorbed in gastric intestinal tract and can be used as oral dosage form. Also, the heparin derivatives can be used for the surface modification to prevent anticoagulation for medical devices such as extracorporeal devices and implanted devices.

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: 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: 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: A polysaccharide derivative prepared by replacing all or part of the hydroxyl hydrogen atoms of a polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative by (A) a hydrophobic substituent having a C.sub.8 -C.sub.43 hydrocarbon chain as the partial structure and (B) an ionic hydrophilic substituent having at least one member selected from the group consisting of sulfonic, carboxyl phosphoric, and sulfate groups and salts thereof as the partial structure, wherein the average degree of replacement by the substituent (A) is 0.0001 or above but below 0.001 per constituent monosaccharide residue as determined by Zeisel's method or the diazomethane method and that by the substituent (B) is 0.01 to 2.0 per constituent monosaccharide residue as determined by colloidal titration. This polysaccharide derivative is useful as the admixture for hydraulic materials and can give stable hydraulic compositions excellent in dispersion.

Abstract: Water-soluble, nonionic cellulose ethers selected from the group consisting of alkylcelluloses and hydroxyalkylcelluloses having an average degree of polymerization of less than 900 which is substituted by, on average, from 0.01 to 0.04 2-propenyl groups per anhydroglucose unit are used as protective colloids in the preparation of aqueous polymer dispersions.

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: 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 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.

Abstract: A reagent strip for measuring glucose concentration in whole blood has reduced interference of hematocrit with the glucose measurement. When a biological fluid contacts the strip, it causes, in a reagent impregnated in the strip, a color change that is a measure of the glucose concentration in the fluid. However, the color change is also affected by the red blood cell concentration (hematocrit), thereby reducing the accuracy of the glucose measurement. The hematocrit effect is reduced by adding to the reagent an acrylic acid polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing methylated hydroxypropylcellulose (m-HPC). By controlling the degree of methylation, one can manipulate the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the m-HPC polymer to below room temperature and thereby stabilize the polymer in water above about 30.degree. C. The present invention is also directed to binder compositions, fibrous substrates, water-dispersible products and thermoformable products containing the m-HPC polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable aqueous wax dispersions comprisingA) 5 to 65% by weight of microized wax andB) 0.01 to 7% by weight of polymeric carbohydrate derivatives as dispersing agent.The waxes are amide, montan and polyethylene waxes, and particularly suitable carbohydrate derivatives are cellulose ethers. These wax dispersions are suitable for the preparation of care compositions for automobiles, shoes, floors and stone, drawing compounds, aqueous wood varnishes, printing inks and paints, for leather treatment, in papermaking and as release agents.

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: A process for producing a mixed cellulose ether comprising reacting a starting cellulose ether with an etherifying agent is disclosed, wherein said starting cellulose ether comprises at least 18 mol % of a 6-substituted glucose unit and at least 15 mol % of an unsubstituted glucose unit. A high utilization of the etherfifying agent can be reached. The resulting mixed cellulose ether has a high solubility in water and an aqueous solution of the resulting mixed cellulose ether has excellent properties such as flow properties and clarity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of water-soluble ionic cellulose derivatives and their use as additive for gypsum- and cement-containing compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-soluble ionic cellulose derivatives and their use as additives for gypsum- and cement-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unexpected or surprising discoveries in the field of biodegradable, water-dispersible formulations and materials and methods for influencing their rate of dispersibility in water. In particular, the present invention relates to the unexpected discovery that the inclusion of effective amounts of short length cellulose fibers dispersed throughout a water soluble cellulose ether binder will result in a retardation or slowing of the water dispersibility of the formulation relative to a formulation containing long or long and short cellulose fibers in a cellulose ether binder. In an additional aspect, the present invention relates to the discovery that the inclusion of effective amounts of long length cellulose fibers dispersed throughout a water soluble cellulose ether binder will result in an enhancement or hastening of the water dispersibility of the formulation relative to a formulation containing a cellulose ether binder which does not contain long cellulose fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to water-soluble polymerisable 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropylethers of cellulose and to a process for their preparation.