Abstract:
A backside textured papermaking belt is disclosed which is comprised of a framework and a reinforcing structure. The framework has a first surface which defines the paper-contacting side of the belt, a second surface opposite the first surface, and conduits which extend between first and second surfaces of the belt. The first surface of the framework has a paper side network formed therein which defines the conduits. The second surface of the framework has a backside network with passageways that provide surface texture irregularities in the backside network. The papermaking belt is made by applying a coating of photosensitive resinous material to a reinforcing structure which has opaque portions, and then exposing the photosensitive resinous material to light of an activating wavelength through a mask which has transparent and opaque regions and also through the reinforcing structure. A process for making paper products is also disclosed which involves applying a fluid pressure differential from a vacuum source through the belt to a partially-formed embryonic web of papermaking fibers. The fibers in the embryonic web are deflected into the conduits of the papermaking belt by the vacuum pressure while the papermaking belt and the embryonic web travel over the vacuum source. Following the deflection, the paper web is impressed with the paper side network of the belt, and dried to form the final product.
Abstract:
Tissue paper having an enhanced bulk softness through incorporation of an effective amount of a polyhydroxy compound is disclosed. Preferably, from about 0.1% to about 2.0% of the polyhydroxy compound, on a dry fiber weight basis. These nonionic compounds have high rates of retention when applied to wet tissue paper webs according to the process described herein. Tissue embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a quantity of strength additive, such as starch, to increase paper strength.
Abstract:
A process for making an absorbent structure having a capillary substrate and regions of osmotic absorbent on the capillary substrate. The osmotic absorbent is cured from a liquid precursor applied to the capillary substrate. The capillary substrate has regions of topographically different elevations, taken normal to the plane of the capillary substrate. The capillary substrate is passed through a gap between a transfer roll and an anvil roll in a printing apparatus. The transfer roll has a liquid precursor on its periphery. The liquid precursor is applied to only the topographically elevated regions of the capillary substrate which contact the periphery of the transfer roll. By changing the topography of the capillary substrate, the liquid precursor can be applied to the capillary substrate in different pattern, without changing the transfer roll. This arrangement allows for absorbent structures having various patterns of osmotic absorbent on a capillary substrate to be readily produced with great flexibility in the manufacturing process.
Abstract:
Fibrous cellulose materials useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent paper products such as paper towels, facial tissues, and toilet tissue are disclosed. The paper products contain a vegetable oil based quaternary ammonium chemical softening compound. Examples of preferred vegetable oil based quaternary ammonium chemical softening compounds include dioleyldimethyl ammonium chloride (i.e., di(octadec-z-9-enyl)dimethylammonium chloride) (DODMAC) and dierucyldimethyl ammonium chloride (i.e., di(docos-z-13-enyl)dimethylammonium chloride) (DEDMAC). Depending upon the paper product characteristic requirements, the saturation level of the fatty acyl groups of the vegetable oils can be tailored. Variables that need to be adjusted to maximize the benefits of using unsaturated vegetable oil based acyl groups include the Iodine Value (IV) of the fatty acyl groups; and the cis/trans isomer weight ratios in the fatty acyl groups.
Abstract:
Multi-layered tissue paper webs comprising chemical softener compositions and binder materials are disclosed. The multi-layered tissue webs are useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent paper products such as facial tissues and/or toilet tissues. The multi-layered tissue paper products contain a chemical softening composition comprising a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a polyhydroxy compound. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds include dialkyl dimethyl ammonium salts such as di(hydrogenated)tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated)tallow dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate. Preferred polyhydroxy compounds are selected from the group consisting of glycerol, sorbitols, polyglycerols having a weight average molecular weight of from about 150 to about 800, polyoxyethylene glycols and polyoxypropylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight from about 200 to 4000.The multi-layered tissue paper webs also contain an effective amount of binder materials to control linting and/or to offset the loss in tensile strength, if any, resulting from the use of the chemical softening compositions. The binder materials are selected from the various wet and dry strength additives, and retention aids used in the paper making art.Preferably, the majority of the chemical softening compositions will be disposed on the outer layers of the multi-layered tissue paper products where they are most effective. The binder materials are typically dispersed throughout the multi-layered product to control linting. In other words, the chemical softening compositions and the binder materials can be selectively distributed within the multi-layered tissue paper web to enhance the softness, absorbency, and/or lint resistance of a particular layer or ply.
Abstract:
A process for making tissue papers, in particular pattern densified tissue papers, having an enhanced tactile sense of softness when treated with tri-component biodegradable softener compositions are disclosed. These tri-component softener compositions comprise nonionic softeners, nonionic surfactant compatibilizers and polyhydroxy compounds. The weight ratio of the nonionic softeners to the nonionic surfactant compatibilizers ranges typically from about 10:1 to 1:10. The weight ratio of the nonionic softeners to the polyhydroxy compounds ranges typically from about 10:1 to 1:10. The tri-component biodegradable softeners are typically applied from an aqueous dispersion to at least one surface of the dry tissue paper web.
Abstract:
An improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Methods for making the foam and absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a process for making soft tissue paper which includes providing a dry tissue web and then applying a sufficient amount of a chemical papermaking additive from a thin film to the dry web. The chemical papermaking additives are added to the surface of the tissue paper to enhance properties of the paper such as strength, softener, absorbency, and/or aesthetics. The chemical papermaking additive application process includes the steps of diluting the chemical papermaking additive with a suitable solvent, applying the diluted chemical solution to a heated transfer surface, evaporating the solvent from the dilute solution to form a film, and then transferring the film to the tissue by contacting the dry tissue web with the heated transfer surface. Preferably, the tissue web is dried to a moisture level below its equilibrium moisture content before application of the papermaking additive.
Abstract:
Soft, absorbent paper webs and processes for making them. In the process, an aqueous dispersion of the papermaking fibers is formed into an embryonic web on a first foraminous member such as a Fourdinier wire. This embryonic web is associated with a second foraminous member known as a deflection member. The surface of the deflection member with which the embryonic web is associated has a macroscopic monoplanar, continuous, patterned network surface which defines within the deflection member a plurality of discrete, isolated deflection conduits. The papermaking fibers in the web are deflected into the deflection conduits and water is removed through the deflection conduits to form an intermediate web. Deflection begins no later than the time water removal through the deflection member begins. The intermediate web is dried and foreshortened as by creping. The paper web has a distinct continuous network region and a plurality of domes dispersed throughout the whole of the network region.
Abstract:
Papermachine clothing, for instance, a loop of imprinting fabric, is disclosed which is so woven that a top-surface-plane thereof is defined by coplanar crossovers of filaments of at least two sets of filaments (i.e., warp and shute filaments) and so that sub-top-surface crossovers are distributed in a predetermined pattern throughout the clothing. Specific weaves are disclosed wherein the top-surface crossovers act corporately to define a top surface comprising a bilaterally staggered array of wicker-basket-like cavities which cavities each span at least one sub-top-surface crossover. Such clothing is particularly useful for making soft, absorbent paper of relatively low density, and relatively isotropic stretch properties when creped.