Abstract: In one aspect, composite polymeric composition and related materials are described herein employing waste products from the agricultural and energy industries. Such composite polymeric compositions and materials can repurpose agricultural and petroleum waste products for various applications including, but not limited to, building and/or infrastructure materials. In some embodiments, a composite polymeric composition described herein comprises polysaccharides, lignin or combinations thereof covalently cross-linked via linkages comprising sulfur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production of whey proteins in a single step process using combination of chromatography and membrane filtration technique, comprising treating cotton cloth with a mixture of chlorosulphonic acid and chloroform and then subsequently treating it with chloroform, dilute NaOH, glycine and water to recover modified cotton cloth as the product, thereafter fixing product in a membrane filtration device equipped with modified flow pattern and then equilibrating it with equilibration buffer, followed by loading of whey for adsorption of protein on the product and washing of the product with equilibration buffer, thereafter elution of adsorbed proteins with elution buffer, and then regeneration of the product by treating it with dilute HCl and water to reuse the product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of finishing non-iron fabrics, and the non-iron fabrics made by this method. This method includes the steps of mercerizing a fabric without liquid ammonia; curing the fabric by applying a low temperature, low formaldehyde curing resin and dry cross linking it; and massaging the fabric using an air blast textile finishing machine. The non-iron fabrics (and garments) produced according to this method have an improved durable press rating and reduced formaldehyde content or are even formaldehyde free when compared to similar products finished according to conventional liquid ammonia moisture-cure processing.

Abstract: Antimicrobial cellulose fibers and antimicrobial cellulose fabrics are provided herein. Such an antimicrobial fiber can include a reactive antimicrobial compound comprising an antimicrobial agent that reacted with at least one reactive compound, and wherein the reactive antimicrobial compound is chemically fixed to a cellulose fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispersion liquid of anion-modified cellulose nanofibers and a composition of anion-modified cellulose nanofibers that are not colored when heated. Specifically, the dispersion liquid contains anion-modified cellulose nanofibers; an anti-coloring agent selected from the group consisting of borate salts and sulfite salts, or combinations thereof in an amount of 1 to 30 mass % based on an absolute dry mass of the anion-modified cellulose nanofibers; and a solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric systems for stabilizing, storing and delivering hypohalide salts. One system consists of material coated with two layers: one prepared from polyethylene glycol epoxide and melamine solution and second prepared from inorganic hypohalide salt solution. The material can be fabric, cotton, bamboo, cellulosic materials, blend of cellulosic and synthetic fibers. Antimicrobial materials comprising this system are also described. Another system consists of material containing pre-formed spaces coated with water-polyethylene glycol solution of hypohalide salt and encapsulated by film forming polymer. Hypohalide salts within both systems are in some cases storage stable for at least three months.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide cellulose fibers which can give a cellulose composite that renders high transparency, a reduction in linear expansion coefficient, and a high modulus of elasticity possible. The invention relates to: a process for producing modified cellulose fibers which includes a modification reaction step of reacting cellulose with an aromatic compound in an organic acid to thereby modify the cellulose with an aromatic-ring-containing substituent; cellulose fibers modified with aromatic-ring-containing substituent; a dispersion of the cellulose fibers; and a cellulose fiber composite obtained from the same.

Abstract: Processing of cellulose, and more particularly, fiber opening and downstream processing and chemistry are provided. A process includes moistening a cellulose sheet stock to a water content in a range from about 20% to about 50%, attriting the moistened cellulose sheet to a wet pulp, flash drying the wet pulp to a floccule of cellulose having a moisture content from about 4% to about 8%, and esterifying the floccule of cellulose to provide a cellulose ester product.

Abstract: A composition for treating fabric includes about 0.1 to about 10.0% cross linking agent, about 0.1 to about 5.0% polyolefin, about 0.1 to about 0.5% wetting agent, about 0.0 to about 8.0% aminofunctional silicone, about 0.0 to about 6.0% ionizing agent, about 0.0 to about 2.0% catalyst and any remainder as a carrier. The composition has a pH of between about 2.0 to about 4.0 and at least some aminofunctional silicone and/or ionizing agent is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating chemical pulp fibres by a polymerizing hydroxy acid, the fibres thus obtained and the products refined from them. In the method, the hydroxy acid reacts with the reactive groups of the fibres in the presence of a catalyst, forming ester bonds. The following units of the same hydroxy acid are oligomerized and/or polymerized to these grafted acid residues. The fibres thus treated and the products refined thereof endure better processing stages that include drawing and stretching than untreated fibres.

Abstract: A composition for treating fabric includes about 0.1 to about 10.0% cross linking agent, about 0.1 to about 5.0% polyolefin, about 0.1 to about 0.5% wetting agent, about 0.0 to about 8.0% aminofunctional silicone, about 0.0 to about 6.0% ionizing agent, about 0.0 to about 2.0% catalyst and any remainder as a carrier. The composition has a pH of between about 2.0 to about 4.0 and at least some aminofunctional silicone and/or ionizing agent is provided.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers treated with telomers of polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method of treating finished garments comprising cellulosic material so as to cause cross-linking, which comprises the step of treating fabrics with an effective amount of a blocked cross-linking agent for cellulose, the cross-linking agent being thermally activated.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed or reduced in absorbent products by the use of a particulate material attached to pulp fiber by a retention aid. The particulate material can remove or reduce the hydrogen sulfide in the environment surrounding the fiber. Suitable materials are zinc oxide, calcium oxide, cupric oxide, magnesium oxide, manganese dioxide, manganese oxide and aluminum oxide. Zeolites are also suitable. The particulate material may be combined with a filler prior to attachment to the fiber.

Abstract: A process for chemically bonding an odor-encapsulating agent to textiles includes reacting a cyclodextrin with a cross-linking agent capable of forming ether bonds with the cyclodextrin and with the textile material, and curing the textile material treated with a mixture of the cyclodextrin and cross-linking agent. Preferably, the cross-linking agent is imidazolidone, which forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cyclodextrin and with a hydroxyl group. In textile materials containing cellulose, imidazolidone forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cellulose. An active agent can be complexed with the cyclodextrin for release. Textiles formed by such a process can comprise an article of clothing adapted to trap odors emanating from a wearer.

Abstract: A process for chemically bonding an odor-encapsulating agent to textiles includes reacting a cyclodextrin with a cross-linking agent capable of forming ether bonds with the cyclodextrin and with the textile material, and curing the textile material treated with a mixture of the cyclodextrin and cross-linking agent. Preferably, the cross-linking agent is imidazolidone, which forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cyclodextrin and with a hydroxyl group. In textile materials containing cellulose, imidazolidone forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cellulose. An active agent can be complexed with the cyclodextrin for release. Textiles formed by such a process can comprise an article of clothing adapted to trap odors emanating from a wearer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing modified fluff pulp comprising treating cellulose pulp with a nitroxide-mediated oxidation method and fluffing the treated cellulose pulp. The invention further relates to the modified fluff pulp prepared therefrom and absorbent articles comprising the modified fluff pulp.

Abstract: Curly cellulose fibers having a high wet resiliency and a method of making high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers with a chemically-assisted curling method. Polymeric reactive compounds are used to provide intrafiber crosslinking in curly fibers, thereby chemically setting the curl in the fibers, resulting in fibers that are stiff enough to not collapse upon wetting. These high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers maintain a capillary structure during fluid acquisition and distribution, thus increasing absorbency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer-grafted natural fiber used for the preparation of composite materials. The invention relates in particular to a process for making such polymer-grafted natural fibers.

Abstract: A multi-ply paperboard comprising at least one ply of conventional cellulose fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent; and at least one ply of chemically intrafiber crosslinked cellulosic high-bulk fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent may be a starch, a modified starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyamine, guar gum, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer or polyacrylonitrile. A method for making the paperboard is disclosed.

Abstract: An oil tone artificial leather sheet having a blend of an oily substance of viscosity 50-10,000 mPa·s at 30° C. and a supporting polymer on part or all of a nap surface of a napped sheet comprising a non-woven fabric of microfine fibers and polyurethane existing in the non-woven fabric, wherein raised fibers comprising the microfine fibers are present in part or all of at least one surface and are forming the nap surface, and which has a high-quality appearance, and the soft hand touch and touch of natural leather. The sheet is useful in, for example, the manufacture of shoes or the like.

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: Provided are compounds and methods for modifying a material to change properties of the material, as well as a variety of products obtained using the methods. In one embodiment, a material comprising one or more modifiable functional groups is reacted with an activated hydrophobic acyl group in the presence of a hindered base, thereby to covalently attach the hydrophobic acyl group to the modifiable functional groups on the material. The material which is modified may be, for example, a carbohydrate, and the modifiable functional groups on the material may be hydroxyls. For example, materials such as cellulose may be modified by reacting it with a acid chloride or acid anhydride including a hydrophobic acyl group, in the presence of a hindered base, such as tripentylamine, to attach the hydrophobic acyl groups to the hydroxyls on the cellulose, thereby to increase the hydrophobicity of the cellulose.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: Curly cellulose fibers having a high wet resiliency and a method of making high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers with a chemically-assisted curling method. Polymeric reactive compounds are used to provide intrafiber crosslinking in curly fibers, thereby chemically setting the curl in the fibers, resulting in fibers that are stiff enough to not collapse upon wetting. These high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers maintain a capillary structure during fluid acquisition and distribution, thus increasing absorbency.

Abstract: A multi-ply paperboard comprising at least one ply of conventional cellulose fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent; and at least one ply of chemically intrafiber crosslinked cellulosic high-bulk fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent may be a starch, a modified starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyamine, guar gum, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer or polyacrylonitrile. A method for making the paperboard is disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing fibrous products that incorporate the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly process for the selective oxidation of carbohydrates. The process comprises the addition of a hydroperoxide, including hydrogen peroxide, to a carbohydrate having primary alcohol groups, particularly including polysaccharides, wherein said carbohydrate is contact with a nitroxyl radical mediator and the process is catalyzed by a peroxidase enzyme in the presence of halide ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing modified fluff pulp comprising treating cellulose pulp with a nitroxide-mediated oxidation method and fluffing the treated cellulose pulp. The invention further relates to the modified fluff pulp prepared therefrom and absorbent articles comprising the modified fluff pulp.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of rendering cellulosic materials flame resistant, and articles of manufacture including the materials, are disclosed. The compositions include one or more crosslinking agents, and, optionally, one or more phosphorus-based compounds. Dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea, imidazole, imidazolidinones, dialdehydes, and dichlorotriazines are preferred crosslinking agents. The methods involve applying the composition to the material, and covalently linking the crosslinking agent to the material. An advantage of covalently linking the crosslinking agent to the cellulosic material is the lack of any potential toxicity associated with uncrosslinked fire retardants on the cellulosic material and the stability of the bonds between the material and the crosslinking agent to conventional steam cleaning and other carpet cleaning methods. In a preferred embodiment, the fire-retardant cotton-fiber composition is used to prepare cotton carpets, upholstery or raised surface apparel.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of rendering cellulosic materials fire retardant, and articles of manufacture including the materials, are disclosed. The compositions include an amino acid, protein and/or peptide and optionally include one or more crosslinking and/or coupling agents. Enzymes are a preferred protein. The methods involve applying the composition to the material, and optionally involve covalently linking the amino acid, protein and/or peptide to the material, either directly or via a crosslinking agent. An advantage of covalently linking the amino acid, protein and/or peptide to the cellulosic material is the lack of any potential toxicity associated with breathable dust particles of unbound amino acid, protein and/or peptide, and the stability of the bonds between the material and the amino acid, protein and/or peptide to conventional steam cleaning and other carpet cleaning methods.

Abstract: Provided are compounds and methods for modifying a material to change properties of the material, as well as a variety of products obtained using the methods. In one embodiment, a material comprising one or more modifiable functional groups is reacted with an activated hydrophobic acyl group in the presence of a hindered base, thereby to covalently attach the hydrophobic acyl group to the modifiable functional groups on the material. The material which is modified may be, for example, a carbohydrate, and the modifiable functional groups on the material may be hydroxyls. For example, materials such as cellulose may be modified by reacting it with an acid chloride or acid anhydride including a hydrophobic acyl group, in the presence of a hindered base, such as tripentylamine, to attach the hydrophobic acyl groups to the hydroxyls on the cellulose, thereby to increase the hydrophobicity of the cellulose.

Abstract: Carboxylated cellulosic fibers having a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled thereto and a water retention value greater than or equal to the water retention value of the fibers from which the carboxylated fibers are formed; fibrous products that incorporate the carboxylated fibers; methods for making the fibers; and methods for making the fibrous products that incorporate the fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper comprising aldehyde modified cellulose pulp prepared using nitroxyl radical mediated oxidation and further containing selected additives comprising aldehyde functional polymers or polymers containing functionality capable of reacting with aldehyde groups and having improved strength properties. This invention further relates to paper made from aldehyde modified cellulose pulp where an hydroxyl group containing polymer is added to the paper to provide wet strength properties.

Abstract: The wet strength softness absorbency, absorbency rate and other valuable properties in paper products, tissues, wipes, towels, etc. can be improved by using, in the paper forming process, a cellulosic material comprising a carboxymethyl cellulose material associated with a monomeric or polymeric cationic additive material. A process of the invention comprises a fiber surface carboxymethylation and an aqueous medium followed by blending the modified fibers with a cationic additive under varying conditions and wet forming the tissue and towel products. The additive is typically a cationic additive that preferentially associates with a carboxymethyl group on the cellulose surface. The affinity between the positively charged cationic groups in the polymeric or monomeric additive material to the negatively charged carboxyl group in the carboxymethyl cellulose modified fiber improves various attributes of the paper products.

Abstract: A multi-ply paperboard comprising at least one ply of conventional cellulose fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent; and at least one ply of chemically intrafiber crosslinked cellulosic high-bulk fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent may be a starch, a modified starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyamine, guar gum, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer or polyacrylonitrile. A method for making the paperboard is disclosed.

Abstract: A compound A expressed by the following chemical formula (wherein R denotes an organic group including a hydrocarbon group, an alkanolamine group, an aromatic group and/or a group including a polyoxyalkylene adduct; m denotes a positive integer of 0 to 3 and can be represented by a plurality of values; and k denotes a positive integer of 2 to 6) and containing a chlorohydrin group at its terminal is brought into contact with cellulose fibers in an aqueous phase in the presence of an alkali metal compound so that the cellulose fibers are crosslinked at the molecular level. Thus, the crosslinking reaction occurs on the surface of the cellulose fiber, and the anti-fibrillation effect and deep dyeing effect can be obtained without damaging the soft feeling of the cellulose fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for strengthening a cellulosic substrate by treating the substrate with a formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition and curing the composition. The cellulosic substrates include, for example, paper oil- and air-filter stock, rayon nonwoven wipes, cellulosic laminating stock, cotton woven fabrics, and wood flakes suitable to be consolidated into flakeboard.

Abstract: A method for shrink-proofing a cellulosic fiber textile that involves liquid ammonia treatment, hot water or alkali treatment under tension or under no tension, and with optional resin treatment.

Abstract: An absorbent cellulose product includes cellulose fibers which are cross-linked by reaction with an effective quantity of one or more water-soluble polymers which are produced in advance, which have an average molecular weight of between 350 and 70,000 g/mol, and which possess free acid or aldehyde groups. When the product is being prepared, the cellulose fibers are impregnated with the polymers in aqueous solution. The impregnated substance is dried and defibered at the latest after drying, after which the defibered cellulose fibers are cross-linked in the dry state by means of heating the impregnated, dried and defibered cellulose product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fibrous chelate-forming material to which a capability of forming a chelate with metal is imparted by introducing a specific acyl group represented by the following general formula [1] or [2], and also discloses a novel process for producing a chelate-forming fiber, a process for sequestering with the same, and a filter capable of simultaneously removing impurities and metal ions in a fluid is imparted using the chelate-forming fiber. [wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal chelate forming fiber in which a reactive functional group in a molecule in the surface of the fiber is substituted with an acyl group represented by the following formula [1]: ##STR1## (where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 respectively are a lower alkylene group, and n is an integer of 1 to 4.) The present also provides a method for preparing the fiber, and a process for treating waste water using the fiber where metal ions contained in the waste water are allowed to be captured by the acyl group.

Abstract: Cellulose microfibrils, in particular for use as a reinforcing filler or structuring agent in composite materials, a method for making same, and composite materials containing said microfibrils, are disclosed. Specifically, said microfibrils are surface-modified cellulose microfibrils with an L/D ratio higher than 20, preferably higher than 100, and an average diameter of 1-50 nm, where L is the length of the microfibril and D is its average diameter. At least 25% by number of the hydroxyl functions on the surface of the microfibrils are esterified by at least one organic compound including at least one function capable of reacting with the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose. As a result, when the organic compound is a compound that includes acetyl groups such as acetic acid, said microfibrils are used as a reinforcing filler in a material comprising cellulose acetate as the polymeric matrix. The filled composite material may be shaped to provide films, moldings, fibers or yarns.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing cellulose fibers or yarns with a reduced tendency to form fibrils includes treating fibers or yarns, which are washed after the filament forming process but not yet dried, with a cross-linking agent. The process includes treating the fibers or yarns with reactive polysiloxanes which are modified with amino, polyalkylene oxide, epoxy or carboxyl functional groups and which cross-link with themselves. The process is particularly suitable for fibers produced according to the NMMO process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating Lyocell cellulose fibers, which comprises treating the Lyocell cellulose fiber with at least one compound of formula ##STR1## wherein X is --NR-- or --S--, A is an aliphatic radical containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms which is free of sulfo groups, or --X--A is hydroxy, and R is hydrogen or, independently of A, has the meaning of A.

Abstract: Wrinkled fabrics comprising ultraviolet absorbers are disclosed which provide improvements in ultraviolet transmission, wearer comfort, and cost over those of the prior art. The preferred fabric is polyester and the preferred UV absorbers are chlorobenzotriazoles. The polyester is wrinkled permanently so as to provide an extra barrier to ultraviolet radiation from solely utilizing UV absorbers alone. This wrinkled product is also more comfortable to a wearer, particularly in warm weather or hotter climates. Other non-apparel uses are also contemplated including tents, awnings, and crowd covers. A method of making such a fabric is also disclosed comprising stuffing a jet dyeing machine with a more than normal load amount of fabric and eventually heat setting such resultant wrinkles into the finished product.