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: 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: Low molecular weight cellulose ethers which are suitable as a coating material for solid metered units and as an additive in ceramic compositions or cosmetics formulations or as a polymerization auxiliary are obtained by irradiation of a mixture of a higher molecular weight cellulose ether and a base with electrons.

Abstract: Improved contraceptive compositions are disclosed which comprise a spermicide or virucide, a polymeric delivery component and optionally a cosmetic ingredient. The improvement is directed to the use of certain hydrophobically modified polysaccharides as the polymeric delivery component. Quite advantageously, the hydrophobically modified polysaccharides of the present invention can alter sperm motility. Moreover, the hydrophobically modified polysaccharides can provide reduced irritation potential when used in combination with spermicides such as, for example, nonoxynol-9, which may reduce the potential for infection of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and herpes.

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: Substantially non-aqueous liquid cleaning compositions comprise a non-aqueous liquid phase, which liquid phase comprises an alkylpolyglucoside partial ether. Specific novel alkylpolyglucoside partial ether are also claimed.

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 invention relates to water-soluble sulfoethyl cellulose ethers, more particularly methyl sulfoethyl cellulose ether (MSEC), of very high solution quality, to a process for its production and to the use of these products as thickeners, dispersants or binders.

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: The new thermoplastic methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ethers have an average degree of substitution with methyl groups of 1.5 to 2.9 and a molar degree of substitution with hydroxypropyl groups of 1.4 to 1.9.

Abstract: New alkenyl methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ethers have an average degree of substitution DS with methyl groups of 1.5 to 2.9, a molar degree of substitution MS with hydroxypropyl groups of 1.4 to 1.9 and an average degree of substitution DS with alkenyl groups of 0.05 to 1.

Abstract: A cellulose derivative comprising substitution-modified cellulose regenerated from a cuprammonium solution, the substituents being ester groups, wherein the acyl group represents one or more, optionally substituted, carbon chains with 10-36 carbon atoms, or a residue containing at least one aromatic and/or heterocyclic, optionally substituted, ring, or wherein the substituents are carbamate groups, the carbamoyl group of which represents a group containing one or more, optionally substituted, carbon chains with 2-36 carbon atoms, or a group containing at least one aromatic and/or heterocyclic, optionally substituted, ring. A dialysis membrane made from the substitution-modified cellulose, typically in the form of a flat film, a tubular film, or a hollow filament, is also disclosed.

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: 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: 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 method for manufacturing capsules causes the solution of thermo-gelling material to gelatinize once, and then drys the gel. Therefore the process of manufacturing capsules is less affected by drying conditions, thus providing capsules of uniform wall thickness without wrinkle. In the apparatus, circulating capsule pins are dipped in the solution of thermo-gelling material, thus the solution adheres to the pins. The pins are rotated upside down, thus thickness of the solution adhering to the pins becoming uniform. Then the pins are retained in the vessel maintained at a higher temperature than the gelling temperature of the solution, and the solution adhering to the pins is gelatinized. The thus-formed gel is dried through a drying device, and the dried gel, i.e. capsules, is removed from capsule pins.

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: 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: A release agent comprising a polyfunctional alkoxysiloxane and an organic compound which is solid at room temperature and contains a functional group capable of reacting with said polyfunctional alkoxysiloxane, and a composite material comprising a substrate and a cured film of the release agent are disclosed. The cured film of the release agent exhibits high strength and excellent release properties without causing blocking or contamination on an adherent.

Abstract: A regenerable support matrix useful for immobilization of biologically active materials is prepared by coating a core support with a cellulose ester, removing ester groups by hydrolysis to produce hydroxyl groups and converting the hydroxyl groups to dialkylaminoalkyl ether groups. The support matrix can immobilize biologically active proteinaceous materials with a net negative charge by adsorption. The support matrix is readily regenerated when an immobilized biologically active material becomes inactive by washing the support with a base or salt solution and adsorbing additional biologically active material to the support. Multiple cycles of immobilization and regeneration are possible without significant deleterious affects.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a cellulose ether by reacting in a heterogenous reaction mixture an alkaline solution and an etherifying agent with a fibrous cellulose. The total of the required stoichiometric amount of the alkaline solution and at least a portion of the etherifying agent required in producing the cellulose ether are admixed (e.g. in a mixing nozzle) at sufficiently low temperature to suppress reaction between the alkaline solution and the etherifying agent. The admixture is then contacted with the cellulose fibers, preferably by spraying the admixture thereupon. Additional of the etherifying agent if required is then added to the reaction mixture, and the heterogenous reaction mixture is agitated and reacted at an initial temperature below 40.degree. C. sufficient to produce alkalization of the cellulose. Thereafter the temperature is increased above 40.degree. C., preferably incrementally or gradually up to about 100.degree. C., preferably to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Improved reaction efficiencies are obtained when water is removed during a reaction of alkali cellulose and an etherifying agent to produce cellulose ethers. The removal of water during the etherification reaction reduces the amount of by-products formed during the reaction.

Abstract: In modern processes for the preparation of cellulose ethers containing one or more types of substituents (such as MC, CMC, HEC, HPC, MHEC or EHEC), cellulose is reacted with etherifying agents in the presence of water, base and a mixture of preferably inert organic solvents (as a dispersing auxiliary). Dimethoxyethane (ethylene glycol dimethyl ether) and at least one organic solvent selected from the group including alkanols, alkane diols and alkoxy alkanols (for example, methanol and/or isopropanol) are employed in the mixture of organic solvents used for these syntheses, particularly in quantities of 1 to 30 parts by weight per 1 part by weight of cellulose.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling the reaction between cellulose and an etherifying agent which comprises the steps of (a) combining cellulose with an alkylene oxide and alkyl halide in a reactor wherein an etherification reaction is initiated which includes a vapor phase, (b) periodically measuring the quantity of at least one of the reactants or products in the vapor phase of the reactor and therewith determining the rate of the etherification reaction taking place, and (c) regulating the reaction temperature continuously while the reaction is taking place by using the rate of reaction determined in step (b) to determine the amount of heating or cooling needed for the reactor.

Abstract: Cellulose derivatives having a controlled molecular weight are prepared by adjusting oxygen concentration as measured by analyzing the quantity of oxygen in the head space of the reaction vessel to a level such that the cellulose derivative prepared therein has a desired solution viscosity. The cellulose derivative is then prepared in the reaction vessel without substantially increasing the quantity of oxygen in said reaction vessel.

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: 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: This invention relates to an improved process for preparing cellulose derivatives by alkalizing cellulose to form alkali cellulose, alkylating the alkali cellulose to form alkylated alkali cellulose, and recovering the alkylated alkali cellulose. According to the process of the invention, finely-divided, preferably powdered, cellulose is reacted with an aqueous-alcoholic alkali metal hydroxide solution at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to 120.degree. C., to form alkali cellulose, oxygen is removed, and the water content is reduced to from about 2.5 to 6.0 moles per anhydroglucose unit, prior to alkylization.

Abstract: A process for the purification of cold-water soluble cellulose ethers containing alkali metal halides consisting essentially of suspending a cold-water-soluble cellulose ether crude reaction product containing 25% by weight or more of alkali metal halides, based on the dry weight, in an aqueous solution containing from 4% to about 25% by weight of one or more water-soluble salts of acids selected from the group consisting of polybasic inorganic acids and organic polycarboxylic acids with agitation at a temperature of from 10.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., separating the purified cellulose ether solids and optionally repeating the suspending and separating steps one or more times. The resulting material can be employed in washing and cleansing composition slurries for spray-drying. The process is especially suitable for the treatment of methyl cellulose or water-soluble mixed ethers of methyl or ethyl cellulose with a sodium sulfate solution.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a new process for producing cellulose C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl ethers by subjecting cellulose to reaction with an alkali metal hydroxide and subjecting the resulting alkali metal salt of cellulose to reaction with an alkyl halide wherein the alkyl group contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The new process is characterized by subjecting 1 part by weight of cellulose to reaction with 0.5 to 4 parts by weight of the alkyl halide in a positive mixer having a fast-running mixing appliance and a container with adjustable internal pressure and cooling of the internal container wall, adding the alkali metal hydroxide in a concentrated aqueous solution or in a substantially water-free and finely divided state, and adjusting the pressure in the reaction vessel with cooling in such a way that the temperature of the reaction mixture remains in the range of from 15.degree. to 40.degree. C., and raising the temperature of the reaction mixture after termination of the alkalization to from 50.

Abstract: A photosensitive material is provided in which at least one surface portion of a substrate contains di-iodopropyl cellulose uniformly distributed therethrough. A photosensitive sheet material can be formed totally of di-iodopropyl cellulose or in part by di-iodopropyl cellulose, provided that the surface thereof contains di-iodopropyl cellulose. Upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation, including wave lengths not greater than 0.315 microns, radical iodine is liberated which forms molecular iodine spots to form an image corresponding to the intensity of the irradiation with the electromagnetic radiation. A provision is further made for bringing the surface of the material into contact with a substance which forms a colored compound upon reaction with the iodine.

Abstract: A photosensitive material is provided in which at least one surface portion of a substrate contains 2,3-di-(2,3-diiodopropoxy)-propyl cellulose uniformly distributed therethrough. A photosensitive sheet material can be formed totally of 2,3-di-(2,3-diiodopropoxy)-propyl cellulose or in part thereof, provided that the surface thereof contains 2,3-di-(2,3-diiodopropoxy)-propyl cellulose. Upon exposure to an activating electromagnetic radiation in which the intensity is modulated according to the configuration of an image, a visible image is formed on the surface of the material. Provision is further made for bringing the surface of the material into contact with the substance which forms a colored compound upon reaction with iodine liberated upon subjecting the surface to activating electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Novel cellulose ethers having a molecular weight from 3000 to 10,000 and a methyl degree of substitution of from 1.8 to 2.7 are especially useful as soil release agents in detergent compositions.

Abstract: Natural or modified polysaccharides are dissolved in a solvent system comprising dimethyl sulfoxide and formaldehyde. The solvent system is particularly suitable for dissolving cellulose due to the fact that cellulose is rapidly dissolved under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure. The dissolved polysaccharides are readily recovered from the solvent system by diluting the solvent system with water or a short chain alcohol.

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: Porous cellulose beads are prepared by distributing droplets of a solvent mixture containing a cellulose derivative into a precipitating solution to form porous beads which are then washed and hydrolyzed to form porous cellulose beads. The porous cellulose beads, which may be cross-linked, if desired, by suitable treatment, are useful carriers to which enzymes can be immobilized. The beads may also be used for the separation of enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids and the like, or to remove metal ions from dilute mining solutions.

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: Novel cellulose ethers having a molecular weight from 3000 to 10,000 and a methyl degree of substitution of from 1.8 to 2.7 are especially useful as soil release agents in detergent compositions.

Abstract: Polysaccharide ethers are prepared in a novel continuous process in which a slurry of a polysaccharide, an alkali metal hydroxide, and an etherifying agent, with or without an inert diluent, are mixed in the substantial absence of molecular or free oxygen and fed through a sinuous tubular reactor under pressure, so that the etherification reaction is continuous. The apparatus for preparing the reaction mixture is also novel.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers which are resistant to enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis can be prepared by using a mixture of sodium and lithium hydroxides as the catalysts in conjunction with etherification reagents, such as, epoxides or alkyl halides.