Liquid ammonia explosion treatment of wood fibers
OwnerSheng-Hsin Hu, David H. Hollenberg +1inventors
InventorsSheng-Hsin Hu, David H. Hollenberg, Yong De Yao
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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.
Claims21
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.
A cellulosic fiber having a curl index of greater than 0.2;
- and a Wet Curl Value of at least 0.2.
A disposable absorbent product comprising a cellulosic fiber, wherein the fiber has a curl index of greater than 0.2.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.