Abstract: A process of covalently modifying a lignocellulosic material is provided. The process includes oxidizing a lignocellulosic material having hydroxyl groups with an oxidant to oxidize at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups to carboxylic acid groups, optionally activating the carboxylic acid groups with an activating agent to form activated carboxylic acid groups, and reacting the carboxylic acid groups or the activated carboxylic acid groups with a first nitrogen-containing reagent selected from amino acids, peptides, or protected derivatives thereof to provide a treated lignocellulosic material. The treated lignocellulosic materials thus prepared displays resistance to degradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified Family 5 cellulase comprising a substitution of an amino acid at position 363 with a non-native alanine, serine or threonine, said position determined from alignment of the modified Family 5 cellulase with amino acids 71-397 of a Trichoderma reesei Cel5A amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 and enzyme mixtures comprising same. Additionally provided is a genetic construct comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the modified Family 5 cellulase and a genetically modified microbe comprising the genetic construct. The invention also provides a process for producing the modified Family 5 cellulase.

Abstract: A process of covalently modifying a lignocellulosic material is provided. The process includes oxidizing a lignocellulosic material having hydroxyl groups with an oxidant to oxidize at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups to carboxylic acid groups, optionally activating the carboxylic acid groups with an activating agent to form activated carboxylic acid groups, and reacting the carboxylic acid groups or the activated carboxylic acid groups with a first nitrogen-containing reagent selected from amino acids, peptides, or protected derivatives thereof to provide a treated lignocellulosic material. The treated lignocellulosic materials thus prepared displays resistance to degradation.

Abstract: A method for enzymatic treatment of cellulose-containing textiles by means of a solution that comprises at least one cellulase type, characterized in that before the treatment with the cellulase-containing solution, an aqueous solution having a pH below 7 and containing at least one agent raising the swelling capacity of the solution, preferably a neutral salt solution, is applied to only some areas of the textile.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for the enzymatic abrading and color modification of dyed textiles. The compositions and methods permit a textile manufacturer to obtain a wide variety of different textile finishes and colors using exclusively enzymatic methods.

Abstract: Color is removed from polymeric material by a method which comprises contacting a dyed or pigmented polymer composition with a non-aqueous extraction solvent comprising a nitrogen containing organic base, an ammonium salt and an alkanol. The present method is readily applied to a process for recycling colored polyamide substrates such as dyed nylon fiber.

Abstract: A finishing liquid which containing as least one kind of dendrimer molecules with terminal groups of —NH2, —OH, —COOH, —COOR, —R, —Si—O—R, PAMAM-OS, —R-halogen etc, or with groups which can be modified to achieve the above groups was invented. Employing sol-gel or solution method, the finished textiles obtain part of the following multifunction: breathable, water proof, oil repellency, soil repellency, anti-static, anti-UV irradiation, anti-bacterial, dying acceleration, and slowly release of drug and perfume.

Abstract: A paper additive composition comprising an amide compound (a) obtained by reacting a polyamine and a carboxylic acid or a salt of the amide compound (a) is provided. The polyamine is shown by formula (1): R—(NH—R1)n-NH2??(1) (wherein R is H2N—R1 or R2, and each R1 is independently an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 to 3); the number of carbon atoms of the carboxylic acid is 10 to 24; the amide compound is obtained by reacting the carboxylic acid at a ratio of 0.5 to 4.3 moles per 1 mol of the polyamine; and the ratio of a tertiary amine value to a total amine value of the amide compound (a) is 0.60 to 0.99.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing repellency of fibers, carpet yarns and carpets are disclosed. Compositions used to enhance the repellency of fibers, carpet yarns and carpets are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the burning of natural fibers (e.g., wool, wool fibers, animal hair, cotton), synthetic fibers (e.g., acetate, nylon, polyester, viscose rayon), or blends thereof (e.g., wool/cotton blends), or fabrics or yarns composed of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends thereof, involving treating the fibers (or fabrics or yarns) with polyamic acid or at least one polyimidesiloxane (PISi) or mixtures of polyamic acid and at least one polyimidesiloxane. Also products produced by such methods.

Abstract: Articles containing cellulose materials and treated with a chemical additive are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the cellulose containing the article is modified to include a first moiety. A chemical additive, such as softener or a humectant, is then chosen that includes a second moiety. When the chemical additive is applied to the article, the second moiety on the chemical additive forms a chemical linkage with the first moiety on the cellulose material. In this manner, the chemical additive becomes bonded to the cellulose material alleviating problems associated with retention. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to the formation of tissue products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: A procedure for removing a water-insoluble finish from aramide fibers, wherein the aramide fibers are present as short-cut, random fibers or flat textile materials and are treated with an agent that contains at least one hydrophilic fluid.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: Process for the yellowing-inhibiting finishing of textile, indigo-dyed, washed and/or stonewashed and/or bleached denim articles, characterized in that the finishing is carried out from aqueous medium with protonated fatty acid ester-aminoamides and/or hydroxyaminoamides of N-(&bgr;-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine, in which the fatty acid radicals each contain from 12 to 22 carbon atoms and which have been protonated with at least 1.5 equivalents of ortho-phosphoric acid per equivalent of basic amino groups.

Abstract: A method to prevent the backstaining of denim during a stonewashing process comprising treating the denim with a solution or dispersion of a hydrophobically modified polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is prepared from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of amide, ether, alcohol, aldehyde, anhydride, ketone and ester; polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomer; non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomer which is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols; and combinations thereof, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is optionally substituted with one or more amino, amine, amide, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, hydroxy, carboxyl or oxide groups; wherein said hydrophobic moiety is prepared from at least one hydrophobic monomer or a chain transfer agent, said hydrophobic monomer is selec

Abstract: Novel perfluoroalkyl-substituted mono-, di- and poly-amide compounds which are reaction products of a mono-, di- or polyamine of 60 to 2000 molecular weight with a perfluoroalkyl substituted unsaturated acid or its corresponding lower alkyl ester and optionally a non-fluorinated amino-reactive compound such as an acid, ester, anhydride, epichlorohydrin, isocyanate or urea, are useful as internally or externally applied paper sizes to impart oil and grease resistance to paper, and as oil proofing coatings on textiles, wood, masonry and the like, or as high-performance surface active agents.

Abstract: A paper or board is coated with a composition comprising from 30-95 parts by weight of a synthetic, carboxylated surface size containing at least about 40 mole percent of hydrophobic groups and at least about 25 mole percent of carboxylated groups such as styrene/acrylic acid copolymer, and from 5-70 parts by weight of a substantially hydrophilic polyacrylamide such as a cationic or anionic polyacrylamide.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for making fabrics containing cotton fibers more aesthetically pleasing and resistant to staining by anionic dyes by derivatizing the cotton so that it exhibits a permanent anionic charge. By increasing the anionic charge of the fibers, the fibers become resistant to anionic coloring agents which may undesirably come into contact with the fibers and the fibers can absorb greater amounts of cationic softeners and biocides. Furthermore, the negative charges repel each other resulting in a fabric with greater loft and hydrophilicity. This results in greater smoothness, better hand, and more comfort. Besides being used to prevent the cross-staining of fabrics, the present invention can also be used to make carpet materials resistant to anionic staining agents.

Abstract: A composition useful in paper and board making comprises a carboxylated surface size containing at least 40 mole percent of hydrophobic groups and at least about 25 mole percent of carboxylated groups such as styrene-(meth)acrylic aicd copolymers or styrene-maleic acid (anhydride or salt) copolymers, a hydrophilic polyacrylamide and a crosslinking agent such as glyoxylated vinylamide polymers, formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde condensates and glyoxyl-extended materials.

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: 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 is generally directed to a process for making fabrics containing cotton fibers more aesthetically pleasing and resistant to staining by anionic dyes by derivatising the cotton so that it exhibits a permanent anionic charge. By increasing the anionic charge of the fibers, the fibers become resistant to anionic coloring agents which may undesirably come into contact with the fibers. Furthermore, the negative charges repel each other resulting in a fabric with greater loft and porosity. This results in greater smoothness, better hand, and more comfort. Besides being used to prevent the cross-staining of fabrics, the present invention can also be used to make carpet materials resistant to anionic staining agents. Alternatively, it has also been discovered that an anionic derivative can be used to catalyze permanent press resins onto fabrics containing cellulosic fibers, also resulting in anionic cotton.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber treating composition comprising contacting an aminofunctional polysiloxane comprising at least one aminofunctional siloxy unit with a mixture comprising a lactone and an alkylsulfate of benzimidazole thereby effecting formation of an amide-functional polysiloxane in admixture with the alkylsulfate of benzimidazole. The composition formed by the method is particularly useful for treating textiles such as cotton and cotton-synthetic blends to provide good softness and water absorbency and improved whiteness and treatment durability.

Abstract: A cellulose multifilament yarn which is a lyocell multifilament yarn and has a breaking tenacity of 2.8-4.0 g/d and a breaking elongation of 13-20% both as dried and which gives a tenacity-elongation curve passing a tenacity range of 0.2-1.0 g/d at an elongation of 5% and a tenacity range of 0.4-2.5 g/d at an elongation of 10%.

Abstract: An improved method for fixing color of a dyed textile by coating a dyed textile with a mixture of (i) an aminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin resin and (ii) a glyoxylated acrylamide-dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride resin.

Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of solvent-spun cellulose fiber is reduced by treating the previously dried fiber with a chemical reagent containing at least two functional groups which are reactive with cellulose and which are electrophilic carbon--carbon double bonds, particularly vinyl sulfone groups, or precursors thereof or electrophilic three-membered heterocyclic rings or precursors thereof. The chemical reagent is preferably colorless and is preferably applied to the fiber from aqueous solution. The fiber may be contained in a woven or knotted fabric.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating polyester, polyamide, acrylic, aramid or cellulosic substrates to improve the uniformity of dyeing and to improve the hydrophilic, soil-release, odor-, mildew-, bacterial- and fungal- resistant properties of these substrates.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber is immersed in a cellulose fiber dissolving agent such as tertiary amine-N-oxide, lithium chloride/N,N-dimethylacetoamide or N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide under conditions where the dissolving agent does not dissolve the cellulose fiber. Therefore, the water absorbing property and moisture absorbing and discharging property of the cellulose fiber can be improved without deteriorating the strength and feeling of the cellulose fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the fibrillation tendency of lyocell fibre. Never-dried fibre is treated by an inorganic alkali solution and a chemical reagent having an average of greater than 2.1 acrylamido groups, and then heated. This method produces cellulose materials with a smooth white appearance resistant to creasing in the wet state.

Abstract: A water absorbent cross-linked, carboxyalkylated cellulose-containing material is produced by impregnating a cellulose-containing material with an aqueous reaction solution including a carboxyalkylating agent, an alkali metal hydroxide, and a cross-linking agent dissolved in water in an initial content of 50 to 90% by weight, the molar ratio of the carboxylating agent to glucose groups of cellulose being 0.7 to 2.0; adjusting the water content of the aqueous reaction solution impregnated in the cellulose-containing material to 20 to 60% by weight and of at least 5% by weight below the initial water content by evaporating a portion of water; and subjecting the water content-adjusted cellulose-containing material to a simultaneous cross-linking and carboxylating reaction procedure at 50.degree. to 110.degree. C., while maintaining the water content at 20 to 60% and of at least 5% by weight below the initial water content.

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: The present invention relates to polyurethane hot melt adhesive that are hardened by the action of moisture and which contain at least one reaction product from a component that contains NCO groups and an essentially linear hydroxypolyester, hydroxypolyether, and/or hydroxypolyetherester component. In addition, the present invention relates to a procedure for manufacturing a material that is permeable to water only in vapor form, this being in the form of a fibre material, in particular in the form of a web, which is joined to a polyurethane film, in which the fibre material is coated with a polyurethane material and subsequently the polyurethane material is hardened to form a water-vapor permeable film. The present invention also relates to a material that is permeable to water only in vapor form and which is in the form of a fibre material, in particular in the form of a web, that is bonded to a polyurethane film.

Abstract: A process for protecting a dyed textile fiber from decolorization caused by exposure to bleach, and improving colorfastness is provided by applying an aqueous solution of non-volatile, polymeric salt forming monomers, such as hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, to the textile fiber followed by drying the fiber to polymerize the monomers and form a non-volatile, polymeric salt film thereon. The process is especially suitable for treating dyed polyamide fiber used in floor covering products.

Abstract: A method for applying a low soil finish to spun synthetic textile fibers comprising applying to the spun fibers a low soil finish composition containing a dry, waxy solid component which comprises one or more of the following:A) a bisamide of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R" can be the same or different and are straight or branched alkyl groups having from 7 to 19 carbon atoms, R' is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 linear alkyl group, and x is an integer of from 0 to 5;B) a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide;C) the reaction product of a C.sub.8-20 saturated fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8-20 saturated fatty amine, or a phenol, with from 2 to 250 moles of ethylene oxide, andD) a C.sub.8-22 fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A method for applying a low soil finish to spun synthetic textile fibers comprising applying to the spun fibers a low soil finish composition containing a dry, waxy solid component which comprises one or more of the following:A) a bisamide of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R" can be the same or different and are straight or branched alkyl groups having from 7 to 19 carbon atoms, R' is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 linear alkyl group, and x is an integer of from 0 to 5;B) a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; pa C) the reaction product of a C.sub.8-20 saturated fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8-20 saturated fatty amine, or a phenol, with from 2 to 250 moles of ethylene oxide, andD) a C.sub.8-22 fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A method for making an air bag by forming a fabric structure of filaments or yarns in the configuration of an air bag, and grafting first and/or second components onto some or all of the filaments or yarns to provide the fabric structure with increased resistance to fraying, filament or yarn pull-out, or distortion during manufacture or use of the air bag compared to non-grafted filaments or yarns. The graft component(s) may be applied to the filaments or yarns prior to, during or after formation of the fabric structure. An air bag material suitable for use in a passive restraint system is also disclosed utilizing grafted fabric substrate provided by the above described method. A passive restraint system utilizing such fabrics is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the addition of photosensitising compounds to woodpulps and mixtures thereof for enhancing their whiteness, brightness and chromaticity, as well as to the paper making fibres so obtained and the use thereof.

Abstract: A method for imparting a softer handle to cellulosic fibres which comprises treating the fibres with a) an amino functional polymer and b) silicone polymer capable of reacting with the reactive groupings of the amino functional polymer, so as to cause the polymers a) and b) to be applied to the cellulosic fibres. The method may be performed either as a continuous process or as a batch process.

Abstract: A spunlace non-woven cotton-based cloth which can be repetitively laundered without significant deterioration in the mechanical and textile properties thereof, including cotton fibers impregnated with polyamide-amine-epichlorohydrin resin. The resin is present in an amount of 0.2% to 1.0% by weight, based on the weight of the cotton fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preventing dye from depositing onto fabric, and fabric finishing compositions useful in the dye deposition inhibiting process of this invention. Specifically, a process is provided where 1) an aqueous bath is formed comprising a) water, b) dyed fabric, and c) a dye deposition inhibiting agent, 2) the dyed fabric is treated in the aqueous bath and the fabric releases a portion of the dye from the dyed fabric into the bath, and 3) the dye inhibiting agent is maintained in contact with the dyed fabric for the duration of the treating step. The dye deposition inhibiting agent is added to the process as a fabric finishing composition comprised of at least 0.1 wt % dye deposition inhibiting agent.

Abstract: A method of forming a crosslinked cellulose product is disclosed wherein cellulose fibers are exposed to a solution that includes a catalyst and a crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of a cyclic N-sulfatoimide or cyclic N-phosphatoimide; a dimethoxyethanal; a mixture of glyoxal and imidazolidone; a diethanol; or a periodate. Specific examples of the crosslinking agents of the present invention include pyridinium N-sulfatosuccinimide; 2,2'-sulfonyldiethanol; sodium periodate; a mixture of dimethoxyethanal and urea; and a mixture of glyoxal and 2-imidazolidone. An acid or base catalyst, as appropriate, may be used with the crosslinking agent to increase the crosslinking reaction rate. In especially preferred embodiments, cellulose fibers are exposed to the crosslinking agent and catalyst, then separated into individualized fibers in a fiberizer.

Abstract: Water-soluble crosslinkable compounds obtainable by reaction of reactive products which contain halogenohydrin groups and have been obtained by reacting polyamines and epihalogenohydrin or 1,3-dihalogeno-2-hydroxy-propane with inorganic bases and subsequently reacting the resulting products with inorganic acids and/or organic acids, can be used as pigment binders and/or crosslinking agents in textile printing pastes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the photochemical and thermal stabilisation of polyamide fibre material as claimed in claim 1.The fibre materials treated by the inventive process are distinguished by good fibre affinity and enhanced photochemical and thermal stability.

Abstract: Solid substrates with free hydroxyl groups are phosphorylated by thermolysing a solution of phosphoramidate of the formula ##STR1## in the presence of the substrate, whereby metaphosphate is generated which phosphorylates the substrate.

Abstract: A process for the production of a spunlace nonwoven cloth based on cotton fibers, which includes continuously advancing the cloth (1) based on cotton fibers, interlacing (2, 3) those fibers with the aid of a plurality of water jets under pressure, drying (8) the interlaced cloth, and, finally, taking delivery (10) of the spunlace cloth (9) thus obtained. After interlacing (2, 3) and before drying (8) the free water contained in the interlaced cloth (4) is drained (5), then the drained cloth is impregnated (6) using an aqueous solution of a polyamide-amine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resin in an amount, measured as solids, of 0.2% to 1% of the weight of the cotton fibers, and after having expelled the excess solution, the impregnated cloth (7) is dried (8) at a temperature sufficient to at least trigger the cross-linking of the PAE resin deposited.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising:(A) at least one polymer fabric treated with (B) at least one wetting agent which comprises at least one compound of the formulae ##STR1## wherein each R.sub.1 is independently a hydrocarbyl group having from about 8 to about 150 carbon atoms; each R.sub.2 is independently hydrogen, an alkyl group or polyoxyalkylene group; each R.sub.3 is independently an alkylene group; R.sub.4 is an alkyl group or polyoxyalkylene group; n is 1 to about 150; and M is a hydrogen, an ammonium cation or a metal cation.The treated polymer fabrics of the present invention have improved wicking/wetting characteristics. Further, the fabrics maintain these characteristics upon repeated exposure to fluids.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising:(A) a polymer fabric treated with (B) a wetting agent which comprises at least one compound of the formula ##STR1##wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbyl group having about 8 to about 150 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is a hydrocarbylene group, or a hydroxy substituted or hydroxyalkyl substituted hydrocarbylene; each R.sub.3 is independently hydrogen, an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, a hydrocarbylcarbonyl or a polyoxyalkylene group; each R.sub.4 is independently a hydrocarbylene group; each n is independently 1 to 150; m is zero or one; m' is zero or one; M is a hydrogen, an ammonium cation or a metal cation, andwhen m' is zero, X is --H, --Ar, --OH, --OR.sub.5, ##STR2## when m' is one, X is --H, --R.sub.5, ##STR3##wherein each R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.8 is independently a hydrocarbyl group having up to 100 carbon atoms; R.sub.7 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms and Ar is a phenyl group.