Liquid ammonia explosion treatment of wood fibers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A process comprising:
- providing a cellulosic fibrous material, said fibrous material having been processed such that the lignin content has been reduced therein;
charging a vessel with a composition comprising said cellulosic fibrous material;
charging the vessel with ammonia at a pressure sufficient to cause the ammonia to penetrate cellulosic fibers in the cellulosic fibrous material; and
rapidly depressurizing the fibrous material.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A process of forming improved cellulosic fibers, fibrous compositions containing cellulosic fibers, and absorbent articles comprising such compositions are disclosed. In the process, liquid ammonia penetrates cellulosic fibers in a pressurized environment, and when the pressure is released, an explosive process produces cellulosic fibers having unique structure and properties. The high pressure liquid ammonia treatment introduces a significant curl into the fiber and introduces a smooth, soft, silky feel to the fiber not present in conventional cellulosic fibers. Such fibers are particularly useful in tissue, wipes, distributive layers, fiber mats, filter papers, and other porous articles.
-
Citations
21 Claims
-
1. A process comprising:
-
providing a cellulosic fibrous material, said fibrous material having been processed such that the lignin content has been reduced therein;
charging a vessel with a composition comprising said cellulosic fibrous material;
charging the vessel with ammonia at a pressure sufficient to cause the ammonia to penetrate cellulosic fibers in the cellulosic fibrous material; and
rapidly depressurizing the fibrous material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A cellulosic fiber having a curl index of greater than 0.2;
- and a Wet Curl Value of at least 0.2.
- View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- 17. A disposable absorbent product comprising a cellulosic fiber, wherein the fiber has a curl index of greater than 0.2.
Specification