US 6,379,446 B1 · Methods for dispersing fibers within aqueous compositions

Abstract

Compositions and methods in which dry-committed fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout a fibrous composition. The fibrous composition is characterized as having sufficient yield stress and viscosity such that the shearing forces from the mixing apparatus are effectively transferred down to the fiber level. This is accomplished by means of an appropriate thickening agent, e.g, gelatinized starch. The dry-committed fibers are exemplified by flash dry fibers or fibrous sheets that have been cut or torn into fragments less than 2 cm across. Providing fibers that have been dry-committed greatly reduces the time that it takes to obtain substantially homogeneous dispersion of the fibers throughout the fibrous composition. This, in turn, reduces the risk of mixture spoilage and mechanical or chemical damage to the solid components within the fibrous composition.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A method for dispersing fibers within a fibrous composition comprising:

(a) providing plant-derived fibers having an average length greater than about 0.3 mm, an average aspect ratio greater than about 25:1, and that comprise at least one of (i) fibers that are substantially separated and non-intertwined, (ii) dry fibrous sheets that have been separated into fragments smaller than 2 cm across, (iii) dry fibrous rolls that have been separated into fragments smaller than 2 cm across, and (iv) mixtures of the foregoing;
(b) combining the plant-derived fibers, water and a thickening agent to form a fibrous composition and such that the thickening agent and water interact together to form a fluid fraction that is characterized by a yield stress and viscosity that enables the plant-derived fibers to be substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the fibrous composition as the fibers and fluid fraction are mixed together;
and
(c) mixing together the combined thickening agent, water, and fibers in order to substantially uniformly disperse the fibers throughout the fibrous composition.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods for dispersing fibers within aqueous compositions

Life of this patent

Methods for dispersing fibers within aqueous compositions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24