Abstract:
A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Meltblown lyocell fibers incorporating polyolefinic hydrophobic polymers are disclosed. The polymer is distributed fairly uniformly within the fiber and exists as approximately one to two micron diameter domains. The fibers have a high hemicellulose level, show reduced water retention values and have varying diameters depending on processing conditions. The fibers have a brightness of at least 60.
Abstract:
Meltblown lyocell fibers are disclosed which show a high degree of antimicrobial activity against E, coli and C. albicans. The fibers are prepared by adding inorganic and organic compounds to the NMNO dope prior to spinning. The additives are uniformly distributed throughout the fiber cross section and longitudinal sections show relatively smooth or grainy, rough surfaces depending on the additive used.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that identifies the location of individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. Li this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.
Abstract:
A method -of making a carbon fiber from softwood alkaline black liquor lignin by acetylating the lignin to provide a meltable and drawable lignin.
Abstract:
A method for producing a hydrolysate from lignocellulosic materials generally includes fiberizing the lignocellulosic materials, separating the lignocellulosic materials into at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein at least the first portion includes lignin, treating the first portion to deactivate at least a portion of the lignin in the first portion, re-combining the first and second portions after treating the first portion, and hydrolyzing the lignocellulosic materials with enzymes to produce a hydrolysate.
Abstract:
A pulp product that has a low COD is comprised of an unbleached pulp that is soaked and washed in alkaline water for a sufficient time so that the COD after soaking and washing is less than or equal to 3.0kg/1000 kg of dry pulp. The pulp is produced by repetitively soaking and washing an unbleached pulp in alkaline water that is never allowed to drop below pH 7.0. The pulp is soaked and washed for a total of at least 400 minutes at an elevated temperature to produce the pulp product that has a low COD.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a fibrous product (10) containing plant seeds (16). In one embodiment, the product is a laminate having plant seeds (16) and adhesive (18) intermediate first (12) and second (14) fibrous sheets. In another embodiment, the product is an integrally formed, unitary fibrous product that includes plants seeds in a fibrous substrate. In a further embodiment, the product is a fibrous sheet coated with a combination of plant seeds and binder. Methods for making the fibrous product are also provided.
Abstract:
A wood chip screening system has an infeed end, outfeed end and elongated thin blades (40, 42) mounted for reciprocating motion extending therebetween. The blades (40, 42) are spaced apart to allow chips with an acceptable thickness dimension to pass therethrough. The improvement includes configuring the top edges of the blades (40, 42) in a nonlinear design.
Abstract:
A densified web of cellulose fibers has a high absorbent capacity and good wet strength. The web is produced by combining cellulose fibers with a bonding agent, activating the bonding agent, allowing it to contact the cellulose fibers, and thereafter deactivating the bonding agent. The web is thereafter compressed in a cooled state to form a densified web. The web exhibits an absorbent capacity superior to that of prior densified and bonded webs.