Method for fiber loading a chemical compound

USRE35460E · kind E · reissue

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture · US

Inventors

• John Klungness · Madison, US
• Daniel F. Caulfield · Madison, US
• Irving B. Sachs · Madison, US
• Marguerite S. Sykes · Madison, US
• Freya Tan · Madison, US
• Richard W. Shilts · Stoughton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 21, 1993
• Grant date: Feb 25, 1997
• Expiry date: Oct 21, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for loading a chemical compound within the fibers of a fibrous material and to the fibrous materials produced by the method. In the method, a fibrous cellulose material is provided which consists of a plurality of elongated fibers having a fiber wall surrounding a hollow interior. The fibrous material has a moisture content such that the level of water ranges from 40-95% of the weight of the fibrous material and the water is positioned substantially within the hollow interior of the fibers and within the fiber walls of the fibers. A chemical is added to the fibrous material in a manner such that the chemical is disposed in the water present in the fibrous material. The fibrous material is then contacted with a gas which is reactive with the chemical to form a water insoluble chemical compound. The method provides a fibrous material having a chemical compound loaded within the hollow interiors and within the fiber walls of the plurality of fibers.