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: Polysaccharides, including hydroxyethyl cellulose, having complex hydrophobic group 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 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: A purified hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) or hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) reacts with a perfluorinated alkyl glycidyl ether to produce an associative thickener wherein a fluorinated C.sub.8 chain is nearly as effective as a hydrocarbyl C.sub.16 straight chain hydrophobe. A preferred glycidyl ether is prepared by reacting a terminal hydroxyl of a perfluorinated surfactant with epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: Water-soluble, polymer viscosifiers of aqueous solutions, also known as gelling agents, can be suspended in a hydrocarbon carrier fluid, such as, diesel to prepare a liquid gel concentrate. When a liquid gel concentrate is added to an aqueous solution the gelling agent disperses into it and viscosifies it. To make an improved performance admixture for preparation of liquid gel concentrates and render the gelling agent suspendable in the hydrocarbon carrier fluid, it is first coated with a mixture of an oil-compatible polymer suspending agent, such as a polymer suspension, comprising a branched chain alkyl acrylate monomer copolymerized with a minor amount of hydrophilic monomer such as acrylic acid with an appropriate amount of internal crosslinking agent to control polymer particle size, and a surfactant such as a nonylphenol reacted with several moles of ethylene oxide, styrenated phenol ethoxylate, or a phosphate ester of styrenated phenol ethoxylate.

Abstract: Mixed polysaccharide compositions, well adopted for flocculating/precipitating solid particulates from liquid dispersions thereof and for the shaping of insulating articles therefrom, comprise (i) at least one polysaccharide prepared by microbial fermentation, the basic recurring structural unit of which comprising both glucose and rhamnose moieties, and (ii) at least one cationic natural polysaccharide or derivative thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a process of removing water-soluble impurities from a water-soluble cellulose ether aqueous solution containing such water-soluble impurities comprising treating an aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble cellulose ether and a water-soluble impurity by means of ultrafiltration and diafiltration at conditions effective to produce a treated aqueous solution having a reduced concentration of the water-soluble impurity and an increased concentration of the water-soluble cellulose ether.

Abstract: This invention relates to ion-exchanged fine cellulose particles, porous fine cellulose particles which can be advantageously used as an affinity carrier, and methods of production thereof. These fine particles of the invention have the advantage that they possess excellent pressure-resistant strength and can treat treatment liquors under pressure at a high flowing velocity. Thus, they can be advantageously used industrially in various separation and purification processes.

Abstract: A composition for a topically applied therapeutic cream or ointment having effective activity against one or a combination of sources of viral, bacterial, yeast and fungus infections characterized by the ability to penetrate beneath the epidermal layer of the skin. The composition includes a water soluble active component which is formulated with a water soluble organic solid base and a water soluble surfactant to form an aqueous solution having a gel-like consistency. A preferred active ingredient is a povidone-iodine complex. A preferred carrier is hydroxyethylcellulose.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers are disclosed which have sufficient nonionic substitution to render them water soluble and which are further modified with a C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 long chain alkylaryl group in an amount between 0.2% by weight and the amount which makes them less than 1% by weight soluble in water. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a preferred water soluble cellulose ether for modification according to the invention. These products exhibit substantially improved viscosifying effects compared to their unmodified cellulose ether counterparts, and provide good leveling and sag resistance in latex paints. Preferred alkylaryl groups are nonylphenyl, dodecylphenyl, and dinonylphenyl. Included are cellulose ethers with spacer groups of various lengths between the alkylaryl group and the connecting group to the cellulose molecule.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers are disclosed which have sufficient nonionic substitution to render them water soluble and which are further modified with a C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 long chain alkylaryl group in an amount between 0.2% by weight and the amount which makes them less then 1% by weight soluble in water. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a preferred water soluble cellulose ether for modification according to the invention. These products exhibit substantially improved viscosifying effects compared to their unmodified cellulose ether counterparts, and provide good leveling and sag resistance in latex paints. Preferred alkylaryl groups are nonylphenyl, dodecylphenyl, and dinonylphenyl. Included are cellulose ethers with spacer groups of various lengths between the alkylaryl group and the connecting group to the cellulose molecule.

Abstract: A modified cellulose and/or chitin 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 and/or chitin derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulose and/or chitin 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 and/or chitin derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulose and/or chitin 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 and/or chitin derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: Silated polysaccharides having 0.005 to 2.0 silyl molar substitution per anhydrosaccharide unit form water resistant films when cast from aqueous solution and dried in the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide. These films are soluble in aqueous caustic. A preferred water soluble polymer is a cellulose ether with 0.005 to 1.0 silyl substitution.

Abstract: A process for working up water-soluble cellulose derivatives, more especially with flocculation points above 85.degree. C., after removal by condensation of readily volatile constituents of the crude product mixture resulting from an etherification reaction, by suspension of the crude product in hot water and subsequent separation of the suspension and washing liquids, wherein the separation of the suspension and washing liquids is carried out at elevated temperature and under pressure applied to the separator as a whole.

Abstract: A product comprising a water soluble, high molecular weight aminoalkyl-derivative of hydroxyalkyl-cellulose. The molecular weight of said cellulose is at least 50,000 daltons. One of the methods to obtain the product comprises reacting a hydroxyalkyl cellulose in a basic aqueous medium, in the presence of halogenalkylaminohalide compounds, to obtain a hydroxyalkyl cellulose having an alkylamino group which can be used as such or further reacted in the presence of an amide reducing agent, for instance sodium cyanoborohydride and a carbohydrate residue selected from the group consisting of mono-, di-, oligo-saccharides and starch.

Abstract: Carboxymethylhydroxyethyl (CMHEC), starch and guar are preferred polysaccharides providing at least a 1% solution viscosity of 1000 cps at 25 C. An invert emulsion for oil drilling or paper manufacture comprises on a weight percent basis:______________________________________ Diesel, mineral or paraffin oil 40-60 Imidazole surfactant 1-4 Water 0-10 Organophilic clay 0.5-5.

Abstract: Silated polysaccharides having 0.0005 to 2.0 silyl molar substitution per anhydrosaccharide unit form water resistant films when cast from aqueous solution and dried in the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide. These films are soluble in aqueous caustic. A preferred water soluble polymer is a cellulose ether with 0.005 to 1.0 silyl substitution.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of producing cellulose. This method comprises inoculating a quantity of nutrient medium comprising a polysaccharide derivative such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with a cellulose-producing microorganism. The inoculated medium is then aerobically incubated to facilitate the production of cellulose. The step of substantially drying the cellulose may be added for certain products. Substantially dried cellulose resulting from this procedure is highly absorbent, tending to retain its absorbent properties during repeated wetting and drying, and is usable where such absorbency is desired.A subject of the present invention is a composition of matter consisting essentially of such cellulose in a native or substantially dried form. Microbial cellulose produced in the presence of carboxymethyl cellulose may be substantially dried by many means known to those skilled in the art. This drying may be, for example, by washing with a non-aqueous hydrophilic solvent or by air-drying.

Abstract: A method for preparing cellulose ethers containing tertiary or quaternary nitrogen by reacting alkylene epoxides with cellulose or its derivatives in an alkaline medium in the presence of water. Alkylene epoxides of the formulas ##STR1## or mixtures thereof, in which n=1, 2 or 3, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 correspond to the same or different alkyl groups with 1 to 18 carbon atoms or R.sup.1 corresponds to the benzyl group or --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 OH and X is chloride, bromide, sulfate or acetate are used as cationization agents.

Abstract: An aqueous protective coating composition comprising (a) a nonionic, water-soluble 3-alkoxy-2-hydroxypropylhydroxyethylcellulose wherein the alkyl moiety is a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms and (b) a film forming latex, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a polysaccharide in oil dispersion which comprises the steps of(a) forming a water-in-oil emulsion by dispersing in oil an aqueous solution of polysaccharide, in the presence of at least one dispersion promoter,(b) drying the resulting emulsion azeotropically, and(c) physically isolating from the resulting azeotropically dried residue an oil phase containing oil and dispersion promoter and a polysaccharide in oil dispersion in the form of a suspension phase containing polysaccharide, dispersion promotor and oil;and a polysaccharide in oil dispersion prepared by the process containing 40 to 50% w/w polysaccharide and 3 to 4.5% w/w of at least one dispersion promoter.

Abstract: An improved reactor (and process using the same) comprising multistage stirrer elements and baffles, which has particular dimensional ratios between the reactor diameter, the width and spacing of the stirrer elements, and the baffles. The reactor is particularly adapted for the production of polysaccharide ethers, especially cellulose ethers.

Abstract: A process for producing a modified hydroxyethyl cellulose comprising the steps of:allowing hydroxyethyl cellulose to be swollen in a solvent; andmixing the hydroxyethyl cellulose swollen in the solvent, with a 2-mercapto benzimidazole compound having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 independently represent hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, and X is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or ammonium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the purification treatment of liquid reaction and/or washing media obtained in the preparation of cellulose ethers which comprises distilling and subsequently ultrafiltering the media. In the distilling step, the low-boiling organic by-products of the reaction, the residual, non-reacted, low-boiling organic reaction components and/or the optionally used organic solvents are separated in the form of a distillate. The aqueous distillation residue, which particularly comprises salts, a cellulose constituent and possibly medium and/or high-boiling organic by-products of the reaction and/or non-reacted organic reaction components, is thereafter subjected to ultrafiltration. Ultrafiltration results in a permeate, in which the COD values are, for example, reduced by about 20% by weight.

Abstract: A completion and workover fluid which comprises an aqueous liquid medium containing hydroxyethyl cellulose, an inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium bromide and zinc bromide, and a component selected from the group consisting of the following components:(1) thiol derivatives of heterocyclic compounds;(2) thioamide derivatives;(3) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of thiuram disulfide compounds, thiuram monosulfide compounds and dithiocarbamate compounds;(4) benzothiazole; and(5) a copper compound and an iodine compound in combination.

Abstract: A completion and workover fluid is described, containing a soluble salt, a hydroxyethyl cellulose and at least one compound selected from 2-mercaptobenzimidazole compounds, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole compounds, 2-mercaptothiazoline and 2-thioimidazolidone.

Abstract: The process for preparing mixed cellulose ethers proceeds in the following steps:(a) alkalizing of the cellulose,(b) etherifying of the alkali cellulose in the presence of a base by using at least one etherifying agent which requires, for the reaction with cellulose, a catalytic and sub-stoichiometric quantity of a base, and(c) increasing the quantity of base, and(d) etherifying the cellulose ether so prepared by using at least one etherifying agent which requires, for the reaction with cellulose, an at least stoichiometric quantity of a base or a catalytic and substoichiometric quantity of a base, increased over the quantity used in (a),with at least one inert organic solvent being used as a dispersing auxiliary in at least one of the steps and water being present in all steps, wherein mixed etherification leads to a water-soluble product and dimethoxyethane, an alkanol, an alkanediol and/or an alkoxyalkanol are used as the organic solvents.

Abstract: Non-gelling cellulose ethers are purified by mixing same with a dialdehyde under acidic conditions and under high agitation, forming a slurry of the treated cellulose ether, rapidly transferring the slurry to a filter and then dewatering said slurry.

Abstract: A process for the production of water-soluble hydroxyalkyl methyl cellulose by the alkalization of the cellulose with sodium hydroxide and by subsequent etherification with alkylene oxide in an inert solvent, characterized in that before etherification, the alkali content of the aqueous alkali cellulose is reduced to 0.3-0.8 mols of NaOH/mol of cellulose by washing out with a suitable, known solvent (mixture), and is then etherified with an alkylene oxide in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of water-soluble cellulose ethers, comprising the steps of activating cellulose with ammonia, alkalizing the activated cellulose, and etherifying the alkali cellulose. In the process, the activated cellulose is alkalized in the presence of ammonia and, optionally, in the presence of an organic solvent, and the ammonia is removed from the alkali cellulose in the presence of the alkalizing agent and, optionally, the organic solvent. Etherification proceeds in a medium which contains at least portions of said organic solvent. The organic solvent comprises, in particular, an alkanol which has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. For the etherification step, carboxymethylation or hydroxyethylation is preferred.

Abstract: In modern processes for preparing cellulose ethers containing one or more types of substituents, such as MC, CMC, HEC, HPC, MHEC or EHEC, cellulose is reacted with an etherifying agent in the presence of water, base and at least one inert organic solvent (as a dispersing auxiliary). Dimethoxyethane (ethylene glycol dimethyl ether) is employed as a new organic solvent for these syntheses, particularly in quantities of 1 to 30 parts by weight per part by weight of cellulose.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for activating hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) such that the HEC will disperse and hydrate in compatible heavy brines having a density greater than about 13.5 pounds per gallon containing one or more salts selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium bromide, zinc chloride, and zinc bromide, at ambient temperatures such that the HEC will be at least 80% hydrated within one hour.The activation process comprises admixing the HEC with an organic liquid which has no appreciable swelling effect on the HEC and an amine activator.The invention also provides activated HEC compositions and a process of increasing the viscosity of a heavy brine utilizing these compositions.

Abstract: A process for the purification and isolation of cellulose or starch ethers wherein directly after the etherification step the suspension agent and the extraction of the ether product with the purifying agent is carried out on the same continuously working filter.

Abstract: The application discloses a gel-forming composition based on (a) water, (b) a water-soluble cellulose mixed ether having at least one nonionic substituent from the group comprising hydroxyalkyl and alkyl and at least one anionic phosphorus-containing substituent, and (c) a salt containing a cation which is at least divalent. The phosphorus-containing substituent is a phosphonoalkyl group or a p-alkylphosphinoalkyl group. The application also relates to a process for the preparation of a gel from this composition, to the reversible reversing of the gel by the addition of an agent which complexes the cation, e.g. in the case of Al.sup.3+ ions, Fe.sup.3+ ions, Zr.sup.4+ ions or ZrO.sup.2+ ions, by means of an amount of fluoride ions, and to the use of this gel-forming compostion in the secondary production of petroleum.

Abstract: Molecular coordination complexes are formed between a cellulose polymer and a non-polar solid aliphatic alcohol containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms optionally substituted with an aliphatic group containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms by solvating the polymer with a volatile polar solvent and reacting the solvated cellulose polymer directly with the aliphatic alcohol, preferably as a melt. The resulting composition may be dried. This constitutes the complex. The composition has utility as a matrix in controlled release formulations since it has a uniform porosity which may be varied.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for the continuous production of alkyl cellulose by reacting alkali cellulose with alkylating agents in the presence of inert liquids, wherein:(a) powdered cellulose is reacted with aqueous-alcoholic alkali metal hydroxide solution at temperatures of from about 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. to form alkali cellulose;(b) oxygen is completely removed from the alkali cellulose reaction mixture of step (a) and the water content is reduced to about 2.5 to 6.0 moles per anhydroglucose unit; and(c) the reaction mixture from step (b) is reacted with at least a stoichiometric amount, but not more than with a molar excess of up to about 50%, based on the alkali metal hydroxide, of an alkylating agent in an inert liquid boiling at a temperature of from about 80.degree. to 160.degree. C., the reaction being carried out continuously in stirred tanks-in-series with 2 to 10 units.

Abstract: A contact lens solution is provided for wetting, soaking and lubricating of hard contact lenses, particularly those carrying an ionic charge. The solution contains an ionic polymer of cationic or anionic charge that interacts with an oppositely charged surface of a contact lens forming an interfacial polyelectrolyte complex. This polyelectrolyte complex provides increased, long lasting lens wettability leading to a cushioning and lubricating effect with the eyelid and the cornea.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing water-soluble hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and water-soluble mixed ethers based on hydroxyalkyl cellulose, comprising producing a slurry comprising (by weight) 1 part cellulose, 0.02 to 0.6 parts alkali metal hydroxide, 5 to 10 parts inert organic solvent, and 0.4 to 2.5 parts water; continuously feeding the slurry to a first elevated pressure reactor and mixing the slurry therein with at least one normally gaseous etherifying agent which has been liquified under pressure; maintaining the slurry at a temperature up to 40.degree. C., and a gauge pressure up to 3 bars, for 15 to 90 minutes, to give a degree of substitution from 0.2 to 1.

Abstract: In preparation of hydroxyethyl ethers of cellulose, ethylene oxide efficiency of the reaction and solubility characteristics of the product are improved by using alkali cellulose which has been prepared in the presence of boric acid or a boric acid salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chloral derivative having the general formula ##STR1## in which Y' is a polysaccharide consisting of a chain of anhydroglucose, modified anhydroglucose or uronic acid units as substituent group and in which R is selected from --H, --COCH.sub.2 OH, --[(CH.sub.2).sub.n 0].sub..chi. --H in which n is 2 to 5 and .chi. is 1 to 7; --CH.sub.2 OSO.sub.2 X' or --CH.sub.2 COOX' in which X' is NH.sub.4 or a single equivalent of a non-toxic metallic cation, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n H where n is 1 to 7, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n (OH).sub..chi. Y where Y is --H or --CH.sub.3 n is 1 to 7, .chi. is 1 to 12 and the --OH groups are attached to any or all of the carbon atoms by substitution and wherein when Y.sup.1 is a chain of unmodified anhydroglucose units, these units have the following configurations:.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl units having a predominantly 1-4 linkage.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl units having a predominantly 1-4 linkage and/or.beta.

Abstract: A composition and process are provided for making precipitated hydroxyethyl cellulose by dissolving a hydroxyethyl cellulose having a molar substitution of less than 1.0, and a degree of substitution of less than about 0.64 in mixture of water and a tertiary amine oxide solvent, to provide a solution containing from about 10% to about 28% water. Shaped articles can be formed from the solutions of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the chemical modification of a water-soluble cellulose ether, which comprises reacting the ether with a chloroformic acid ester in an aqueous organic medium containing alkali hydroxide, whereby the cellulose ether is rendered at least partially insoluble in water. The modified cellulose ether may be easily dispersed in water and redissolved to form a smooth solution of the original water-soluble ether by adding sufficient alkali to the dispersion to reuse its pH to at least about 11, preferably to about 12.

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: Novel absorber for the blood and the like, particularly a tampon for menses, which is made of the filaments of a lower alkyl or a lower hydroxyalkyl substituted cellulose ether. The absorber is insoluble in the blood and the like when it is used, but it is dispersible and soluble in water when it is thrown away.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of hydroxyethyl cellulose having improved resistance of enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis is provided by employment of a controlled, optimum amount of available water for swelling the cellulose in aqueous caustic reaction medium in hydroxy ethoxylation sequences of first high and then low ratios of caustic:cellulose.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers are disclosed which have sufficient nonionic substitution to render them water soluble and which are further modified with a C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 long chain alkylaryl group in an amount between 0.2% by weight and the amount which makes them less than 1% by weight soluble in water. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a preferred water soluble cellulose ether for modification according to the invention. These products exhibit substantially improved viscosifying effects compared to their unmodified cellulose ether counterparts, and provide good leveling and sag resistance in latex paints. Preferred alkylaryl groups are nonylphenyl, dodecylphenyl, and dinonylphenyl. Included are cellulose ethers with spacer groups of various lengths between the alkylaryl group and the connecting group to the cellulose molecule.