Abstract: The present invention relates to porous foam materials comprising or essentially consisting of microfibrillated cellulose (“MFC”). These porous foam materials are light weight and can be tailored to specific uses. The present invention also relates to a process for making porous foam materials according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention comprises an environmentally benign method for the direct in situ preparation of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in paper by reducing sorbed copper ions with ascorbic acid. Copper nanoparticles were quickly formed in less than 10 minutes and were well distributed on the paper fiber surfaces. Paper sheets were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of the CuNP sheets was assessed for by passing Escherichia coli bacteria suspensions through the papers. The effluent was analyzed for viable bacteria and copper release. The CuNP papers with higher copper content showed a high bacteria reduction of log 8.8 for E. coli. The paper sheets containing copper nanoparticles were effective in inactivating the test bacteria as they passed through the paper. The copper levels released in the effluent water were below the recommended limit for copper in drinking water (1 ppm).

Abstract: The present invention relates to anionically modified microfibrillated plant fibers used for obtaining a thermosetting resin molding material having excellent mechanical strength, a method for manufacturing the same, a molding material containing the anionically modified microfibrillated plant fibers and a thermosetting resin, and a method for manufacturing the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a molding material containing anionically modified microfibrillated plant fibers that are anionically modified in the presence of a base by a carboxylic acid represented by formula (I): X—(CH2)n—COOH (I), wherein X represents halogen and n is 1 or 2, and/or by a salt thereof, and a thermosetting resin, and the molding material contains the anionically modified microfibrillated plant fibers in an amount of 10 to 900 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemically modified cellulose based dressing particularly for use in the dressing of wounds but also for use as a packing material. Dressings according to the invention seek to mitigate the problems associated with shrinkage encountered with fibrous dressings made of gel-forming fibres and comprise a compressed body of chemically modified polysaccharide having a density of at least 0.08 g/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent compositions which exhibit swelling, deswelling, and reswelling behavior. More specifically, absorbent compositions of this invention swell and absorb fluids after exposure to aqueous fluids, deswell and release fluids from the swollen absorbent compositions, and may also reswell and absorb fluids. The swelling-deswelling-reswelling behavior allows enhanced liquid distribution in absorbent composites.

Abstract: An adhesive wound patch is provided. The adhesive wound patch includes a covering layer, a dressing layer, a releasing paper and a supporting layer. A pressure sensitive adhesive is coated on an inner surface of the covering layer, and the pressure sensitive adhesive with stickiness may adhere to the surrounding skin tightly. The dressing layer covers the pressure sensitive adhesive, the covering layer includes waterproof-breathable material, and the dressing layer includes hydro-absorbent material. The releasing paper includes separated first and second portions, and covers the entire covering layer. The supporting layer sticks to the covering layer, and has an ear portion, which is in the middle part of one side of the supporting layer and protrudes beyond the edge of the covering layer. After the dressing layer is adhered to the wound, the supporting layer is separated from the covering layer by tearing off the ear portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a diaper having an inner layer having an absorbent core having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate; and an outer layer.

Abstract: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound treatment item having a proportion of modified natural fibers or synthetic fibers with a high dehydrating capacity.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a freeze dried composite material. The freeze dried composite material includes cellulosic pulp (e.g. CTMP) and an absorbent material. The absorbent material includes microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with a specified content of carboxylate groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent compositions which exhibit swelling, deswelling, and reswelling behavior. More specifically, absorbent compositions of this invention swell and absorb fluids after exposure to aqueous fluids, deswell and release fluids from the swollen absorbent compositions, and may also reswell and absorb fluids. The swelling-deswelling-reswelling behavior allows enhanced liquid distribution in absorbent composites.

Abstract: An absorbent material formed at least in part of a crosslinked polymer. The absorbent material has a centrifuge retention capacity as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 20 g/g and a gel bed permeability under load as determined by a Gel Bed Permeability Under Load Test of at least about 300×10?9 cm2 or a free swell gel bed permeability as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 2,500×10?9 cm2. The crosslinked polymer may comprise either at least about 75 weight percent anionic polymer or at least about 75 weight percent cationic polymer. In one embodiment, the cross-linked polymer is surface treated with a water soluble non-cross-linked polymer having a potential for becoming charged opposite that of the cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: An improved absorbency material for absorbency applications comprised of a cellulosic fibrous material wherein said cellulosic fibrous material such as pulp is a cold alkali solution treated material at a treatment temperature of less than about 50° C.; a process for improving absorbency and other characteristics of said pulp.

Abstract: An improved material for liquid absorption including an absorbent material in particle form with a very low average particle size dispersed into a selected inert hydrophilic organic carrier which is solid at room temperature. The present invention also includes an improved process for manufacturing the material. Such liquid absorbing material can be utilized in the absorbent cores of disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, interlabial devices, tampons, disposable diapers, incontinence pads, wound dressings, nursing pads, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound care article (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprising at least one body (1; 11; 21) absorbing the liquid wound exudates, and at least one shell (2; 12; 22) at least partially encompassing the body (1; 11; 21). The shell (2; 12; 22) itself is designed to absorb fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary absorbent structure including a fluid acquisition stratum; a fluid distribution stratum; and a fluid storage stratum between the acquisition stratum and the distribution stratum. Each of the acquisition, distribution, and storage strata are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes at least one liquid-permeable layer material (105) and an absorbent structure (106), the absorbent structure (106) having the ability to expand on wetting, which entails that the absorbent structure (106) displays a first volume in dry condition and a second volume in completely expanded wet condition, the second volume being greater than the first volume. The liquid-permeable layer material (105) encloses the absorbent structure (106) so that the absorbent structure (106) is prevented from reaching complete expansion during wetting.

Abstract: A method for making mixed polymer composite fibers in which a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch are blended in water to provide an aqueous gel; the aqueous gel treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; the crosslinked gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide fibers; and the fibers treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked mixed polymer composite fibers.

Abstract: An absorbent material formed at least in part of a cross-linked polymer. The absorbent material has a centrifuge retention capacity as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 20 g/g and a gel bed permeability under load as determined by a Gel Bed Permeability Under Load Test of at least about 300×10?9 cm2 or a free swell gel bed permeability as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 2,500×10?9 cm2. The cross-linked polymer may comprise either at least about 75 weight percent anionic polymer or at least about 75 weight percent cationic polymer. In one embodiment, the cross-linked polymer is surface treated with a water soluble non-cross-linked polymer having a potential for becoming charged opposite that of the cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent composite which comprises substantially water-insoluble, water-swellable, non-regenerated, carboxyalkyl cellulose fibers. The fibers have a surface having the appearance of the surface of a cellulose fiber and comprise a plurality of first intra-fiber multi-valent metal ion crosslinks and a plurality of second intra-fiber crosslinks selected from ether crosslinks or ester crosslinks. In addition, the absorbent composite has been subjected to a treatment to create interfiber bonding between the fibers of the composite either throughout the composite or only on the surface of the composite.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprising fluff pulp fiber treated with polysiloxane, wherein the absorbent core has a density of about 0.15 g/cm3 or greater and a Young's modulus of about 75 psi or less. The polysiloxane may comprise an amino-functional moiety, The absorbent core may comprise superabsorbent, and may be employed in a disposable absorbent product.

Abstract: In an absorbent structure for an absorbent article, a non-woven absorbent core extends from one longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure through a central region thereof to an opposite longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure. The absorbent core has a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and laterally opposite side edges. A liquid permeable wrapsheet is wrapped about the first face, the laterally opposite side edges and at least a portion of the second face of the absorbent core to define a wrapped configuration of the wrapsheet. Tbe wrapsheet is constructed of a non-woven material and is secured in its wrapped configuration about the absorbent core at at least one securement region having a length substantially less than the length of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one component of the article, such as the absorbent core, includes a superabsorbent fiber. In one aspect, the article includes substantially water-insoluble, water-swellable, non-regenerated, carboxyalkyl cellulose fibers, where the fibers have a surface having the appearance of the surface of a cellulose fiber, and where the fibers comprise a plurality of non permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks and a plurality of temporary intra-fiber crosslinks.

Abstract: A method of forming twisted, curly fibers from a wet wood pulp without the aid of a wet fluffing process or a chemical cross-linker. The method includes forming the wet wood pulp into fiber bundles and subsequently thermally drying the fiber bundles. The invention also includes curly fibers derived from the method of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article which includes a backsheet, a liquid-pervious topsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least the backsheet is made from a water-decomposable material. The backsheet is formed of a fibrous sheet that contains water-dispersible fibers and water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose. The water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of etherification (D.S.) falling between 0.3 and 0.6, and is modified so that the hydrogens of at least 95% of carboxylic acids therein are substituted with metal.

Abstract: A fibrous absorbent composite containing absorbent material, methods for its formation, and absorbent articles that include the composite are described. The composite is a fibrous structure that includes absorbent material dispersed throughout the composite and in increased concentration in bands that extend along the composite's length.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorvents for water and aqueous liquids, which are vased on water-swell-able, yet water-insoluble polymers wherein cyclodextrin or cyclodextrin derivatives and zeolites high in silicon have been incorporated ionically, covalently and/or as a result of mechanical inclusion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of mercerized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95% is treated with a solution containing carboxylic acid cross-linking agents. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products of this method, which is economic, that possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, and absorption, low fines, low nits, and low knots, are also disclosed. This invention also includes a blended cellulose composition comprising a minor proportion of cellulose fibers having been similarly cross-linked with carboxylic acids and a major proportion of other cellulose fibers. This invention further provides individualized, chemically cross-linked cellulosic fibers comprising mercerized individualized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95%, cross-linked with carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A fibrous material, which can be an absorbent material, includes a plurality of natural fibers treated with a carboxylic acid-based odor control agent, which are able to withstand insults with an aqueous liquid without dissolving the odor control agent. The acid-based odor control agent is bound to the natural fibers by an organosilicone polymer binder. The binder is water-insoluble, and can form a highly gas permeable coating. The binder is also highly porous, so as to expose the odor control agent to ammonia and other odoriferous gases which it is intended to control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including non-aqueous compositions for protecting the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include emollients, viscosity enhancers and extracted botanical actives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including non-aqueous compositions for protecting the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include emollients, viscosity enhancers and anionic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting the skin barrier. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include hydrophilic solvents, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols, fatty acids and decoupling polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flushable fibrous structure that is particularly useful as a disposable tissue product and as a component (e.g., topsheets) for absorbent articles such as catamenial pads, diapers, incontinent articles and the like. The invention specifically relates to a flushable fibrous structure that has an in-use wet tensile strength of at least about 100 g/in. and a disposal wet tensile strength of not more than about 30 g/in. The invention also relates to absorbent articles comprising the fibrous structures, and methods for making the structures.

Abstract: Skin wetness is minimized on overnight usage of a disposable absorbent article containing an acquisition and distribution member consisting essentially of C.sub.2 -C.sub.9 polycarboxylic acid crosslinked cellulosic fibers prepared in the presence of surfactant.

Abstract: Carboxymethyl cellulose fiber having a degree of substitution of at least 0.1, preferably 0.2-0.5, carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit is derived from solvent-spun cellulose fiber, for example by reaction with a strong alkali and a monochloroacetate reagent. The fiber has an absorbency of at least 8 grams, usually at least 15 grams, 0.9% saline solution per gram of fibre and a tenacity of at least 10, usually at least 15, cN/tex. It can be used for absorbent personal products.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and containing a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 20 times its weight of absorbed aqueous fluid which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: providing a substantially uniform mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A foamed isocyanate-based polymer having a cellular structure and containing a superabsorbent material, the polymer being capable of: (i) absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C., and (ii) retaining at least about 20 times its weight of absorbed aqueous fluid which is bound to the superabsorbent material. A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer comprising the steps of: providing a substantially uniform mixture comprising an isocyanate, an active hydrogen-containing compound and a superabsorbent material, the superabsorbent material being capable of absorbing at least about 20 times its weight of an aqueous fluid maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid polysiloxane emollient such as phenyl-functional polymethylsiloxanes, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the polysiloxane emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: Chitosan absorbent is prepared by reacting pulverized chitosan suspended as a powder in an organic solvent with an acid and then isolating solid chitosan-acid reaction product.

Abstract: Individualized, esterified high lignin content cellulosic fibers containing intrafiber C.sub.2 -C.sub.9 polycarboxylic acid ester perform unexpectedly better in absorbent applications than lower lignin content esterified fibers from the same furnish.

Abstract: A polymeric composition specifically adapted to absorb blood and other proteinaceous fluids and having repeating units, said polymeric composition comprising pendant neutralized carboxyl groups (salts) and pendant carboxyl groups. The polymeric composition is characterized in that the ratio of pendant neutralized carboxyl groups to pendant carboxyl groups is within the range of from about 1:9 to about 9:11, at least about 20 mole percent of the repeating units comprise a pendant neutralized carboxyl group or a pendant carboxyl group, and at least about 50 percent of the pendant neutralized carboxyl groups have been neutralized with a potassium or lithium base.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises as the surface material, a non-woven fabric containing 40 wt. % or more of a conjugate fiber made of a first polyester and a second polyester having a melting temperature of 50.degree. C. or more below that of said first polyester and a height of an endothermic peak of 5% or more of that of the first polyester.

Abstract: Compostible and flushable absorbent structures for sanitary uses for the absorption of body fluids comprising an absorbent degradable fibrous core and a backsheet that is cold-water soluble but water impermeable.

Abstract: A wound dressing is provided herein for systemic administration of a physiologically- or biologically-active agent by controlled release of the agent into such wound. The wound dressing includes a substrate in the form of a fabric or cloth, at least a portion of which is cellulosic, which has been chemically modified to convert hydroxyl groups in the cellulosic portion to ionic-adsorbing sites. An ionic form of a physiologically- or biologically-active agent, namely an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, an analgesic agent, a tissue healant agent, a local anesthetic agent, an antibleeding agent, an enzyme or a vasoconstrictor is adsorbed in that substrate. Ionic bonds hold that agent temporarily to the substrate for controlled release therefrom in proportion to the amount of exudate in contact with the substrate. The ionic bonds are formed by adsorbing that agent on that substrate at room temperature.

Abstract: This invention is a catamenial pad or a tampon or a diaper which contains carboxymethylalginate (CMA) and alginic acid salt. The pad or diaper can be made from fibers composed of CMA alone or a mixture of CMA and alginic acid salt. CMA may be prepared by reacting chloroacetic acid, NaOH, and an alginic acid salt dispersed in a liquid aliphatic alcohol. More in detail, CMA can be prepared by a reaction in which sodium alginate is dispersed into ethanol, reacted with NaOH and chloroacetic acid at 40.degree.-50.degree.C. with agitation. The CMA can be spun into fibers and then it can be prepared into non-woven fabric. The fabric pad or diaper can be made into various designs. The fabric or the fiber has high absorbency, water-retentivity, stability, and coagulating ability against blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber comprising, chemically bonded together, (a) a conventional cellulosic fiber, such as a Kraft fiber or a chemithermomechanical pulp fiber; (b) poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleate) copolymer, such as the acid form of a 1:1 (molar) poly(methyl) vinyl ether-co-maleate) copolymer, preferably having number average molecular weight of about 67,000-80,000; and (c) a polyol, such as polyethylene glycol; also disclosed are methods for making such fibers, especially evaporatively depositing an intimate mixture of the copolymer and polyol on the discrete fiber followed by thermally crosslinking at specific temperatures for limited periods; absorbent paper which can be made by wet-laying the fiber, especially in admixture with conventional fiber; and derivative paper structures, such as multi-ply disposable absorbent towels.

Abstract: A disposable, absorbent diaper comprising a topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet associated with the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core has a dusting layer of mechanical pulp fibers, a continuous primary layer of mechanical pulp fibers containing from about 8% to about 60%, on a total primary layer dry weight basis, of discrete particles of polymeric gelling material, and a water-permeable core reinforcing layer disposed between the dusting layer and the primary layer. The mechanical pulp fibers, preferably chemithermomechanical pulp fibers, have an average fiber length of at least about 1.9 mm and are in a highly disintegrated condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to superabsorbent fibre flocks comprising a core of absorptive polymer wherein short polymer fibres have been embedded, such short polymer fibres protruding at least partially from the core. Such superabsorbent fibre flocks can be produced by binding absorbent polymer particles to each other and to the polymer fibres with the aid of a bonding agent and by grinding the fibre flocks thus obtained to the required particulate size. The superabsorbent fibre flocks according to the invention can be used to advantage in sanitary products, especially in baby diapers, menstrual pads and incontinence articles and have further application in separating water and aqueous components from hydrophobic liquids.

Abstract: Disposable sanitary garments comprise topsheet and/or backsheet materials prepared from polymers based on glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof. Disposable sanitary articles having absorbent cores comprising oxidized cellulose are also provided. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, prepared from the foregoing materials are disclosed.