Nonwoven fabric-like product using a bacterial cellulose binder and method for its preparation
US4919753A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1989 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD21H17/25
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention is a method of bonding a fibrous wet laid nonwoven fabric-like product using bacterial cellulose as a binder. The bacterial cellulose most useful for the invention is the type formed in an agitated culture. Microorganisms of the genus Acetobacter which are genetically adapted to be good cellulose producers under agitated conditions are preferred cellulose producers. From 1-30% of the bacterial cellulose may be added to a water slurry of other sheet forming fibers as a binder. Preferably 20% or less bacterial cellulose is used since higher amounts retard drainage rates significantly. Bacterial cellulose conveys many desirable properties such as excellent hydrophilicity with low air porosity and high tensile index. It may be used in many cases as a total replacement for the latex binders now used for manufacture of nonwoven fabrics. Bacterial cellulose is especially well adapted for the manufacture of pattern bonded sheets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.