Energy efficient process for preparing nanocellulose fibers
US10563352B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD21H17/63
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A scalable, energy efficient process for preparing cellulose nanofibers is disclosed. The process employs a depolymerizing treatment with one or both of: (a) a relatively high charge of ozone under conditions that promote the formation of free radicals to chemically depolymerize the cellulose fiber cell wall and interfiber bonds; or (b) a cellulase enzyme. Depolymerization may be estimated by pulp viscosity changes. The depolymerizing treatment is followed by or concurrent with mechanical comminution of the treated fibers, the comminution being done in any of several mechanical comminuting devices, the amount of energy savings varying depending on the type of comminuting system and the treatment conditions. Comminution may be carried out to any of several endpoint measures such as fiber length, % fines or slurry viscosity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.