Method of producing fuel from modified fibre material (versions) and method of packing fibre composition used to produce fuel

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of priority of US Patent Application No. 11/453951, registration, filed June 15, 2006, all the fullness of the content of which are fully incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to fibrous materials and compositions.

BACKGROUND

Fibrous materials, such as cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials are prepared, processed and used in large quantities in several applications. Often these materials are used singly fiber and then discarded as waste.

US Patents №6448307, 6258876, 6207729, 5973035 and 5952105 described a variety of fibrous materials, their uses and applications. Full description of each of the patents in this paragraph, incorporated by reference herein. Summary of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to fibrous materials, methods of making the fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials (e.g., composites which comprise fibrous materials and resin, or compositions comprising fibrous materials and bacteria and / or enzyme) and options for their use. For example, the composition can be used to produce ethanol or by-product, such as a protein or lignin or applied to the structure as insulation.

The present invention is directed to a particular fiber material, which when combined with the fuel is transformed into bacteria, and solves the prior art problems existing fuel to obtain a fibrous material, namely labor costs by receiving a fuel from said material.

It is known that cellulose fiber materials are difficult to obtain fuel conversion under the action of bacteria and enzymes. Bacteria and enzymes are not as effective for the conversion of a solid substrate as they could theoretically be dissolved with the substrate. It is known that cellulose fiber material can be relatively resistant to conversion by its compact cell structure.

These problems are solved by the present invention, namely, by receiving the cut and passed through a sieve material which has physical characteristics, such as a relatively high surface area, relatively high friability and relatively low bulk density, which increases interaction between the bacteria or enzymes, and fiber material and which makes the fibrous material more susceptible to transformation by the action of bacteria or enzymes. Low bulk density and high specific surface area and high friability allows enzymes and bacteria to be dispersed throughout the fibrous material and allow the fiber material have a large area for interaction with the bacteria or enzymes fibrous material, resulting in reduced time at its turning into fuel.

Any of the fibrous materials described herein may be used in combination with any of the fibrous materials, resins, additives or other components described in U.S. Patent №6448307, 6258876, 6207729, 5973035 and 5952105. In turn, these fiber materials and / or components can be used in all applications, products, methods and the like, as described in any of these patents or herein.

Fibrous materials or compositions that include fibrous materials, for example, be associated with, blended with a structure or carrier (e.g., mesh, a membrane, a floating device package, envelope, or a biodegradable substance), can be thereto adjacent, they are surrounded by or embedded in a them. Optionally themselves structure or carrier may be made of fibrous material or from a composition which comprises a fibrous material. In some embodiments, the fibrous material is combined with a material such as a protonic acid, which increases the rate of biodegradation of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the fibrous material is combined with a material which retards decomposition of fibrous material, such as a buffer.

The ratio of fibrous materials and other components of the compositions will depend on the nature of the components and can be easily adjusted for a particular product application.

Any of the fibrous materials described herein, including any of the fibrous material obtained according to any of the methods described herein, for example, can be used to prepare composites with resin or may be combined with the bacteria and / or one or more enzymes to produce valuable products such as fuels (e.g., ethanol, hydrocarbon or hydrogen).

In one aspect, the invention features a method for producing fibrous materials. The methods comprise cutting the fiber source to provide a first fibrous material and passing the first fibrous material through first screen having an average opening size of 1.59 mm or less (1/16 inch, 0.0625 inch) to provide a second fibrous material. The fiber source can be cut prior to, for example, cut into pieces or strips of confetti-like material.

In some embodiments, the average opening size of the first sieve is less than 0.79 mm (1/32 inch, 0.03125 inch), such as less than 0.40 mm (1/64 inch, 0.015625 inch), less than 0 20 mm (1/128 inch, 0.0078125 inch), or even less than 0.10 mm (1/256 inch, 0.00390625 inch).

In specific embodiments, the cutting is carried out with a rotary cutter. If desired, the cutting can be conducted when the fiber source can be dry (e.g., containing less than 0.25 percent by weight absorbed water), hydrated, or even when a fiber source will be partially or completely immersed in the liquid, such as water or isopropanol.

The second fibrous material may, for example, collect in the hopper, wherein the pressurized below nominal atmospheric pressure, e.g., at least 10% below nominal atmospheric pressure, at least 50% below nominal atmospheric pressure, or at least 75% below nominal atmospheric pressure.

The second fibrous material may, for example, to expose cutting one or more times, e.g., twice, three times or even more, for example ten. Cutting can lead to "loosening" and / or "stress" the fibrous materials, making the materials more dispersible, e.g., in solution or in the resin.

The second fibrous material may, for example, to expose the cutting, and the resulting fibrous material passed through the first sieve.

The second fibrous material can be cut, and the resulting fibrous material passed through a second screen having an average opening size less than the first screen to obtain a third fibrous material.

The ratio between the average ratio between the length and diameter of the second fibrous material and the average ratio between the length and diameter of the third fibrous material can, for example, be less than 1.5, less than 1.4, less than 1.25, or even less than eleven.

The second fibrous material may, for example, be passed through a second screen having an average opening size smaller than the first sieve.

Cutting and transmission may, for example, be carried out simultaneously.

The second fibrous material may have an average ratio of length to diameter, e.g., greater than 10/1, greater than 25/1, or greater than 50/1.

For example, the average length of the fibrous material may be in the range from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, for example, from 0.75 mm to 1.0 mm. For example, the average width of the second fibrous material may be in the range of from 5 microns to 50 microns, such as from 10 microns to 30 microns.

The standard deviation for the length of the second fibrous material may be less than 60% of the average length of the second fibrous material, e.g., less than 50% of the average length of the second fibrous material.

In some embodiments, determined by the BET specific surface area of ​​the second fibrous material is greater than 0.5 m2 / g, for example greater than 1.0 m2 / g, greater than 1.5 m2 / g, greater than 1.75 m2 / g, greater than 2.5 m2 / g, more than 10.0 m2 / g, more than 25.0 m2 / g, more than 50.0 m2 / g, or even greater than 100.0 m2 / g.

In some embodiments, the porosity of the second fibrous material is greater than 25%, e.g., greater than 50%, more than 75%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 92%, more than 95%, or even greater than 99%.

In certain embodiments, the screen is manufactured by weaving monofilaments elementary.

The fiber source can, for example, comprise cellulosic material, lignocellulosic material.

In some embodiments, the fiber source comprises a blend of fibers, for example fibers derived from a paper source, and fibers produced from a textile source, such as cotton.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for producing fiber materials which comprise shearing a fiber source to provide a first fibrous material; and passing the fibrous material through first screen to provide a second fibrous material. The ratio between the average ratio between the length and diameter of the first fibrous material and the average ratio between the length and diameter of the second fibrous material is less than 1.5.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for producing fiber materials which comprise shearing a fiber source to provide a first fibrous material; and passing the fibrous material through first screen to provide a second fibrous material; and then once the cutting of the second fibrous material to provide a third fibrous material.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a composition or compositions obtained from any of the fibrous materials described herein. For example, the composition may include any of the fibrous materials described herein, and a bacterium and / or enzyme. Compositions that include any of the fibrous materials described herein, and a bacterium and / or enzyme may be in the dry state, or they may comprise a liquid such as water.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a fibrous material having an average ratio between the length and diameter of greater than 5, and standard deviation for the length of the fibers is less than 60% of the average fiber length.

For example, the average ratio between the length and the diameter can be greater than 10/1, e.g., greater than 15/1, greater than 25/1, greater than 35/1, greater than 45/1, or greater than 50/1.

For example, the average length may range from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for producing fiber materials which comprise shearing a fiber source to provide a first fibrous material; collecting a first fibrous material; and then cutting the first fibrous material to provide a second fibrous material.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for producing a useful material, such as fuel. The methods comprise cutting the fiber source to provide a first fibrous material; passing a first fibrous material through first screen having an average opening size of about 1.59 mm or less (1/16 inch, 0.0625 inch) to provide a second fibrous material; and combining the second fibrous material with a bacterium and / or enzyme, wherein the bacterium and / or enzyme is used a second fibrous material for fuel, which includes hydrogen, an alcohol, an organic acid and / or a hydrocarbon.

The alcohol may, for example, be methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, glycerol or mixtures of these alcohols; organic acid can for example be malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, γ-hydroxybutyric acid or mixtures of these acids; and the hydrocarbon may, for example, be methane, ethane, propane, isobutene, pentane, n-hexane or a mixture of these hydrocarbons.

Before combining with a bacterium and / or enzyme any of the fibrous materials described herein can be subjected to hydrolysis to decompose the higher molecular weight carbohydrates and low molecular weight carbohydrates more.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for producing a useful material, such as fuel, as a result of cutting of a fiber source or fibrous material, and then combining it with a bacterium and / or enzyme. For example, the source of fibers may be singly subjected to cutting to obtain a fibrous material, and then the fibrous material can be combined with a bacterium and / or enzyme to obtain useful materials.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of sealing fibrous compositions. The methods comprise cutting the fiber source to provide a fibrous material; association of fibrous material with a bacterium and / or enzyme composition for a fibrous material; encapsulating the composition in a substantially gas-tight material; and removal of the entrapped gas encapsulated composition for sealing compositions. For example, the gas barrier material may take the form of a package, and the composition can be compacted by pumping in air from the bag and then sealing the package.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a composite that include fibrous material, resin and a colorant.

For example, the fibrous material may have an average ratio between the length and diameter of more than 5, and standard deviation for the length of the fibers is less than 60% of the average fiber length.

In some embodiments, the composite further comprises a pigment.

In some embodiments, the colorant is absorbed into the fibers or covers their surface.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of producing composites which include dyeing fibrous material; association of fibrous material with a resin; and obtaining a combination of the composite.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for producing a composite which comprises adding the dye to the resin to obtain a combination of a dye / resin; association combination dye / resin fibrous material; and obtaining a composite of a combination of a dye / resin and the fibrous material.

The term "fibrous material" as used herein means a material that includes a plurality of loose, discrete and separable fibers. For example, the fibrous material can be derived from a fiber source in the form of a multilayer-coated paper or bleached kraft paper as a result of cutting, for example, using a rotary cutter.

The term "mesh" as used herein denotes an element capable of providing a sieving material according to size, for example, perforated plate, cylinder or the like, or a wire mesh or textile.

Implementations and / or aspects may show the presence of any one or more combinations of the following advantages. Fibrous materials are subjected to loosening and / or voltage, which makes the materials more dispersible, e.g., in solution or in a resin, and makes them more susceptible to chemical, enzymatic or biological attack. The fibrous materials may, e.g., have a relatively narrow length distribution, and / or the ratio between the length and diameter such that their properties would be determined in a reproducible manner. For example, in case of mixing with the molten resin solution or fibers of fibrous material may reproducible and predictable way to modify the rheology of the molten resin or a solution that, for example, results in a combination of the resin / fiber material, which is easier, for example, molded and extruded. For example, the fibrous material can be easily passed through small holes or channels, such as those available in the forms of injection molding, or associated with them, such as runner or hot runner hole. Parts molded from such fibrous materials can be characterized by good surface quality, e.g., the presence of a small amount of visible spots formed by large particles and / or agglomerated particles.

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are in their entirety incorporated by reference herein.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent after reading the following detailed description and claims.

Description of the drawings

1 is a block diagram illustrating conversion of a fiber source into a first and second fibrous material.

2 is a cross sectional view of a rotary cutter.

3-8 are plan views for a variety of screens made of elementary monofilaments.

9 is a block diagram illustrating the conversion of source of fiber for the first, second and third fibrous material.

10A and 10B are photographs of fiber sources; wherein 10A is a photograph of a paper container with a multilayered coating, and Figure 10B is a photograph of rolls of unbleached kraft paper.

11 and 12 are obtained by scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material produced from paper coated with a multilayer, at 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively. The fibrous material was made using a rotary cutter using a sieve having a hole in the 1/8 inch.

13 and 14 are obtained by scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material produced from bleached Kraft board paper at 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively. The fibrous material was made using a rotary cutter using a sieve having a hole in the 1/8 inch.

15 and 16 are scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material produced from bleached Kraft board paper at 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively. The fibrous material was twice subjected to cutting on a rotary cutting device with cutting during each sieve having a hole 1/16 inches.

17 and 18 are scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material produced from bleached Kraft board paper at 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively. The fibrous material was thrice cutting on a rotary cutter. During the first screen was used to cut 1/8 inch; during a second cut using a sieve to 1/16, and in the third cutting screen was used to 1/32.

19 is a flowchart illustrating a reversible volumetric compaction compositions of fibrous material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1, we can say that a source of fiber 10 is subjected to cutting, for example, a rotary cutter to provide a first fibrous material 12. First fibrous material 12 passes through the first sieve 16 having an average opening size of 1.59 mm or less (1/16 inch, 0.0625 inch) to provide a second fibrous material 14. If desired, prior to cutting the fiber source 10 can be cut, for example, using the chopper. For example, in the case of use as a source of paper fiber 10, the paper can be first cut into strips that are, for example, have a width in the range of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, using a shredder, for example, with a counter-rotating auger shredder, such as those manufactured by Munson (Utica, NY). Alternatively, the processing in the pulper size pieces of paper can be reduced as a result rassekaniya to the desired size using a guillotine cutter. For example, the guillotine cutter can be used for rassekaniya paper sheets which, for example, have a width of 10 inches and a length of 12 inches.

In certain embodiments, shearing a fiber source 10 and passing the resulting first fibrous material through first screen 12, 16 is carried out simultaneously. Cutting and transmission may also be performed in batchwise.

For example, a rotary cutter can be used for simultaneously cutting a fiber source 10 and the first screening of fiber material 12. Referring to Figure 2, it can be said that the rotating cutting device 20 comprises a hopper 22, which can be loaded into the treated fiber source grinder 10 'obtained by processing in the pulper 10. The fiber source subjected to a pulper source fiber 10' is subjected to cutting between stationary blades 24 and rotating blades 26 to provide a first fibrous material 12. First fibrous material 12 passes through screen 16 having the dimensions previously described and the resulting second fibrous material 14 is trapped in the hopper 30. To facilitate the collection of the second fibrous material 14 in the hopper 30 can be pressurized, minimal nominal atmospheric pressure, e.g., at least 10% below nominal atmospheric pressure, e.g., by at least 25% below nominal atmospheric pressure, at least 50% below nominal atmospheric pressure, or at least 75% below nominal atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, to maintain the pressure in the hopper, below nominal atmospheric pressure using a vacuum unit 50 (Figure 2).

Cutting may be advantageous from the standpoint of "loosening" and "voltage" fibrous materials, making the materials more dispersible, e.g., in solution or in a resin, and makes them more susceptible to chemical, enzymatic or biological attack. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it appears that, at least in some embodiments, the cutting can lead to functionalize surfaces fibers functional groups such as hydroxyl groups or carboxylic acids which may, for example, to promote dispersion of the fibers in the molten resin, or enhance chemical or biological effect.

The fiber source can be subjected to cutting in a dry state, a hydrated state (e.g., characterized by the presence of up to 10 wt.% Of absorbed water) or wet state, for example, characterized by the presence of about 10% to about 75% water by weight. The fiber source can even be subjected to cutting in its partial or total immersion in a liquid such as water, ethanol, isopropanol.

The fiber source can also be subjected to cutting in the gas environment (such as a stream or atmosphere of gas other than air), e.g., oxygen or nitrogen, or water vapor.

Other methods of producing fibrous materials include attritor milling, mechanical rupturing or tearing, grinding in a pin mill or grinding in an air-attrition mills.

If desired, the fibrous materials can be separated, e.g., continuously or periodically, into fractions according to their length, width, density, material type, or some combination of these characteristics. For example, in preparing composites it is often desirable to have a relatively narrow length distribution of the fibers. In addition, for example, in preparing the compositions, which include bacteria and / or enzyme, as a raw material is often desirable to use essentially a single material.

For example, from any of the fibrous materials can be separated ferrous metal by passing the fibrous material which includes ferrous metals, by a magnet, such as an electromagnet, and then passing the resulting fibrous material through a series of sieves, each of the screens has dimensions holes.

The fibrous materials can also be separated, for example, by using high velocity gas such as air. In this approach, the fibrous materials are separated into different fractions by selection, which if desired can be optically characterized. Such a separation apparatus is discussed in U.S. Patent №6883667 authors Lindsey et al., The entire content of the description completeness of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Fibrous materials may be used directly after their preparation or they can be subjected to drying, e.g., at a temperature of about 105 ° C for 4-18 hours to the moisture content prior to use is, for example, less than about 0.5%.

If desired any of the fibrous materials that include lignin materials such as lignocellulose, lignin can be removed. In addition, if desired, the fibrous material can be sterilized to kill any microorganisms that may be present on the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material can be sterilized by exposing the fibrous material to radiation, such as infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation or ionizing radiation, such as gamma radiation. The fibrous material can also be sterilized as a result of temperature control, e.g., heating or cooling of the fibrous material under conditions and for a period of time sufficient to destroy any micro-organisms or the use of chemical sterilizing agent, such as bleach (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) chlorhexidine, or ethylene oxide. The fibrous material can also be sterilized, and through the use of the competing organism such as yeast to bacteria.

Referring to 3-8, it can be said that in some embodiments, the average opening size of the first sieve 16 is less than 0.79 mm (1/32 inch, 0.03125 inch), such as less than 0.51 mm ( 1/50 inch, 0.02000 inch), less than 0.40 mm (1/64 inch, 0.015625 inch), less than 0.23 mm (0.009 inches), less than 0.20 mm (1/128 inch, 0.0078125 inch), less than 0.18 mm (0.007 inches), less than 0.13 mm (0.005 inches) or even less than less than 0.10 mm (1/256 inch, 0.00390625 inch ). The sieve 16 is prepared by interweaving monofilaments elementary 52 having appropriate diameter in terms of obtaining the desired hole size. For example, elementary monofilaments can be made of metal, such as stainless steel. With decreasing hole size design requirements for elementary monofilaments may become greater. For example, in the case of hole sizes less than 0.40 mm, it may be advantageous to manufacture sieves elementary monofilaments made from a material other than stainless steel, for example, titanium, titanium alloys, amorphous metals, nickel, tungsten, rhodium, rhenium, ceramics or glass. In some embodiments, a sieve made of a plate such as a metal plate, having apertures, e.g., cut into the plate using a laser.

In some embodiments, the second fibrous material 14 is subjected to cutting and passing through the first sieve screen 16 or a different size openings. In some embodiments, the second fibrous material 14 is passed through a second screen having an average opening size equal to or less than the corresponding characteristic of the first sieve 16.

Referring to Figure 9, it can be said that the third fibrous material 62 can be prepared from the second fibrous material 14 as a result of cutting the second fibrous material 14 and passing the resulting material through a second screen 60 having an average opening size less than the first 16 sieve.

Sources of cellulosic fibers include fiber sources, including paper and paper products, such as those shown in Figure 10A (multi-coated paper) and 10 (Kraft paper), and lignocellulosic fiber sources, including wood and materials akin to wood, for example chipboard. Other suitable fiber sources include natural fiber sources, e.g., grasses, rice hulls, bagasse, cotton, jute, hemp, flax, bamboo, sisal, abaca, straw, corn cobs, rice hulls, coconut fiber; sources of fibers having a high content of α-cellulose, such as cotton; synthetic fiber sources such as sources of the extruded filament (unoriented or oriented yarn filaments) or carbon fibers; an inorganic fiber; and metal fiber sources. Sources of natural or synthetic fibers can be produced from virgin defective textile materials, for example, patches, or they can be a waste occurring after use of the products, such as rags. If used as a source of fiber paper products they can not be second-hand materials, for example, not previously used defective materials, or they can be a waste occurring after use of the products. As sources of fiber materials in addition to the primary feedstock can also be used and waste arising after the use of the products, industrial waste (e.g., scum) and industrial wastes (e.g., sewage paper converting production). In addition, the fiber source can be obtained or produced from secretions of the human body (eg, sewage), animal waste or crop. Additional sources of fiber are described in US Patents №6448307, 6,258,876, 6,207,729, 5,973,035 and 5,952,105, each of which in its entirety is incorporated herein by reference.

There may be used mixtures of any of the above fiber sources.

In general, the fibers of the fibrous materials can have a relatively large average ratio between the length and diameter (e.g., greater than 20 to 1), even if more than a single of their cutting. In addition, the fibers of the fibrous materials described herein may have a relatively narrow length distribution, and / or the ratio between length and diameter. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, at present it appears that a relatively high average ratio between the length and diameter and a relatively narrow distribution of the length and / or the ratio between length and diameter, at least partly responsible for the ease with fibrous materials which are dispersed in the resin, for example, the molten thermoplastic resin. It also appears that a relatively high average ratio between the length and diameter and a relatively narrow distribution of the length and / or the ratio between length and diameter, at least partly responsible for the presence of fibrous materials reproducible properties for predictable inoculation rheology which fibrous materials provide the resin, for the ease with which the combination of the fibrous materials and resins were injection, extrusion and injection molding, for the ease with which the fiber materials undergo passing through small, often tortuous passageways and apertures, and excellent levels of surface quality achieved for molded parts, e.g., glossy surface and / or surfaces substantially devoid of any visible stains.

As used herein, average fiber widths (i.e., diameters) are those determined optically by randomly selecting approximately 5,000 fibers. Average fiber lengths are corrected length-weighted average length. Is determined by the BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) specific surface area is a specific surface area as determined by the multipoint method, and porosities are those determined by the method of mercury porosimetry.

The average ratio between the length and diameter of the second fibrous material 14 may for example be greater than 8/1, e.g., greater than 10/1, greater than 15/1, greater than 20/1, greater than 25/1, or greater than 50/1. The average length of the second fibrous material 14 may for example be in the range from about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, for example, from about 0.75 mm to 1.0 mm and an average width (i.e., diameter) of the second fibrous material 14 may for example be in the range from about 5 microns to about 50 microns, such as from about 10 microns to 30 microns.

In some embodiments, the standard deviation for the length of the second fibrous material 14 is less than 60% of the average length of the second fibrous material 14, e.g., less than 50% of the average length, less than 40% of the average length, less than 25% of the average length less than 10% of the average length, less than 5% of the average length, or even less than 1% of the average length.

In some embodiments, determined by the BET specific surface area of ​​the second fibrous material 14 is greater than 0.1 m2 / g, for example greater than 0.25 m2 / g, greater than 0.5 m2 / g, greater than 1.0 m2 / g, greater than 1.5 m2 / g, greater than 1.75 m2 / g, greater than 5.0 m2 / g, more than 10 m2 / g, more than 25 m2 / g, more than 35 m2 / g, more than 50 m2 / g, more than 60 m2 / g, more than 75 m2 / g, more than 100 m2 / g, more than 150 m2 / g, more than 200 m2 / g, or even greater than 250 m2 / g. The porosity of the second fibrous material 14 may for example be greater than 20%, more than 25%, more than 35%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, e.g., greater than 80%, more than 85 %, more than 90%, more than 92%, more than 94%, more than 95%, more than 97.5%, more than 99% or even more than 99.5%.

In some embodiments, the ratio between the average ratio between the length and diameter of the first fibrous material 12 and the average ratio between the length and diameter of the second fibrous material 14 is, for example, less than 1.5, such as less than 1.4, less than 1 25, less than 1.1, less than 1.075, less than 1.05, less than 1.025, or even substantially equal to 1.

In certain embodiments, the second fibrous material 14 is subjected to cutting again and the resulting fibrous material - the transmission through a second screen having an average opening size less than the first screen to obtain a third fibrous material 62. In such cases, the ratio between the average the ratio between the length and diameter of the second fibrous material 14 and the average ratio between the length and diameter of the third fibrous material 62 may for example be less than 1.5, such as less than 1.4, less than 1.25, or even less than 1.1.

In some embodiments, the third fibrous material 62 is passed through a third screen to produce a fourth fibrous material. The fourth fibrous material can, for example, passed through a fourth screen to produce a fifth material. Similar screening processes can be repeated as many times as it is desired to produce the desired fibrous material having the desired properties.

In some embodiments, the desired fibrous material comprises fibers having an average aspect ratio between the length and diameter of more than 5, and standard deviation for the length of the fibers is less than 60% of the average length. For example, the average ratio between the length and the diameter can be greater than 10/1, e.g., greater than 25/1, or greater than 50/1 and the average size will range from about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, for example, from about 0.75 mm to 1.0 mm. The average width of the fibrous material may range from about 5 microns to about 50 microns, such as from about 10 microns to 30 microns. For example, standard deviation can be less than 50% of the average length, for example, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or even less than 1% of the average length. The desired fibrous material can, for example, be characterized as determined by BET surface area greater than 0.5 m2 / g, for example greater than 1.0 m2 / g, greater than 1.5 m2 / g, greater than 1.75 m2 / g, greater than 5 m2 / g, more than 10 m2 / g, more than 25.0 m2 / g, more than 50.0 m2 / g, more than 75.0 m2 / g, or even more than 100, 0 m2 / g. The desired material may, for example, be characterized by a porosity greater than 70%, e.g., greater than 80%, more than 87.5%, more than 90%, more than 92.5%, more than 95%, more than 97.5% or even more than 99%. A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized as determined by BET surface area greater than 1.25 m2 / g and porosity greater than 85%.

Examples

The obtained scanning electron micrographs obtained using a field emission scanning electron microscope JEOL 65000. The length and width (i.e. diameter) of the fibers was determined by company Integrated Paper Services, Inc., Appleton, Wisconsin using an automated analyzer (TAPPI T271). Determined by the BET specific surface area, as well as the porosity and bulk density were determined by company Micromeritics Analytical Services.

Example 1. Preparation of a fibrous material of paper with a multilayer coating

1500 pound slipway of virgin cartons of juice half-gallon capacity, derived from not subjected to commercial printing white Kraft board with multi-layer coating, characterized by a bulk density of 20 lb / ft3, was obtained from International Paper. Material was dissected into pieces 8 1/4 inches by 11 inches by using a guillotine cutter and fed to a rotary cutting device is powered by Munson Model SC30. Apparatus Model SC30 is equipped with four rotary blades, four fixed blades, and the output sieve having 1/8 inch openings. The gap between the rotary and fixed blades was set to approximately 0.020 inch. Rotary cutting device produces sharp confetti-like pieces, extending through knife edges, tearing the pieces, releasing a fibrous material with a capacity of about one pound per hour. Fibrous material characterized as determined by BET specific surface area of ​​0.9748 m2 / g +/- 0.0167 m 2 / g, a porosity of 89.0437% and a bulk density (at 0.53 lbs / in2 (abs.)) 0.1260 g / ml. The average length of the fibers was 1.141 mm and an average width of the fibers was 0.027 mm, which corresponds to an average value of L / D 42: 1. The obtained scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material are shown in Figures 11 and 12, with 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively.

Example 2. Preparation of a fibrous material from bleached kraft paperboard

1500 pound slipway of virgin bleached white Kraft board, characterized by a bulk density of 30 lb / ft3, was obtained from International Paper. Material was dissected into pieces 8 1/4 inches by 11 inches by using a guillotine cutter and fed to a rotary cutting device is powered by Munson Model SC30. The output screen had 1/8 inch openings. The gap between the rotary and fixed blades was set to approximately 0.020 inch. Rotary cutters produces sharp confetti-like pieces, releasing a fibrous material with a capacity of about one pound per hour. Fibrous material characterized as determined by BET specific surface area of ​​1.1316 m2 / g +/- 0.0103 m 2 / g, a porosity of 88.3285% and a bulk density (at 0.53 lbs / in2 (abs.)) 0.1497 g / ml. The average length of the fibers was 1.063 mm and an average width of the fibers was 0.0245 mm, which corresponds to an average value of L / D 43: 1. The obtained scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material are shown in Figures 13 and 14, with 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation subjected twice cutting fibrous material from bleached kraft paperboard

1500 pound slipway of virgin bleached white Kraft board, characterized by a bulk density of 30 lb / ft3, was obtained from International Paper. Material was dissected into pieces 8 1/4 inches by 11 inches by using a guillotine cutter and fed to a rotary cutting device is powered by Munson Model SC30. The output screen had 1/16 inch openings. The gap between the rotary and fixed blades was set to approximately 0.020 inch. Rotary cutters produces sharp confetti-like pieces, releasing a fibrous material with a capacity of about one pound per hour. The material obtained as a result after the first cut, fed back into the same setup as described previously, and subjected to cutting again. The resulting fibrous material is characterized as determined by BET specific surface area of ​​1.4408 m2 / g +/- 0.0156 m 2 / g, a porosity of 90.8998% and a bulk density (at 0.53 lbs / in2 (abs.)) 0.1298 g / ml. The average length of the fibers was 0.891 mm and an average width of the fibers was 0.026 mm, which corresponds to an average value of L / D 34: 1. The obtained scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material are shown in Figures 15 and 16, with 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively.

Example 4 Preparation undergone triple cutting the fibrous material of the bleached kraft paperboard

1500 pound slipway of virgin bleached white Kraft board, characterized by a bulk density of 30 lb / ft3, was obtained from International Paper. Material was dissected into pieces 8 1/4 inches by 11 inches by using a guillotine cutter and fed to a rotary cutting device is powered by Munson Model SC30. The output screen had 1/8 inch openings. The gap between the rotary and fixed blades was set to approximately 0.020 inch. Rotary cutters produces sharp confetti-like pieces, passing through the edge of the knife. The material obtained as a result after the first cut, fed back into the same setup and the screen was replaced with a 1/16 inch screen. This material is subjected to cutting. The material obtained as a result after the second cutting, fed back into the same setup and the screen was replaced with a 1/32 inch screen. This material is subjected to cutting. The resulting fibrous material is characterized as determined by BET specific surface area of ​​1.6897 m2 / g +/- 0.0155 m 2 / g, a porosity of 87.7163% and a bulk density (at 0.53 lbs / in2 (abs.)) 0.1448 g / ml. The average length of the fibers was 0.824 mm and an average width of the fibers was 0.0262 mm, which corresponds to an average value of L / D 32: 1. The obtained scanning electron micrographs of the fibrous material is demonstrated in Figures 17 and 18, with 25x magnification and 1000X magnification, respectively.

Other compositions and uses of fibrous material

It is possible to obtain compositions that include any of the fibrous materials described herein, including any fibrous materials, resins, additives or other components described in U.S. Patent №6448307, 6258876, 6207729, 5973035 and 5952105. For example, any of the fibrous materials described herein may be combined with solid, liquid or gaseous substance, such as chemical reagent or formulation chemicals (solid or liquid), such as a pharmaceutical (e.g., antibiotic), an agricultural material (such as seeds, fertilizer, herbicide or pesticide) or an enzyme or a formulation that includes enzymes. It may also be prepared and compositions that include one or more types of bacteria or bacterium in combination with one or more enzymes.

Such compositions can use the desired properties of the fibrous material. For example, any of the fibrous materials can be used to absorb chemicals, the potential for absorption number is many times greater than their own weight. For example, fibrous materials may be used to absorb spilled oil or other chemicals. Combining these fibrous materials with a microorganism such as a bacterium that can metabolize the oil or chemicals, may facilitate purification. For example, fibrous materials may be combined with the enzyme solution, dried, and then use in litter for pets, or combined with a pharmaceutical preparation and be used for delivery of a therapeutic agent such as a drug. If desired, the fibrous materials can be combined with a biodegradable polymer, such as polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid and copolymers of glycolic and lactic acids. Other degradable materials which may be used have been described previously.

Compositions that include fibrous materials such as cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and for example, chemicals or chemical formulations in solid, liquid or gaseous form, can be prepared, for example, in various devices for immersion or spraying stirring. For example, the compositions can be prepared using a ribbon blender, cone mixers, drum mixers biconical mixer configuration and Patterson-Kelly «V».

If desired any of the fibrous materials that include lignin materials such as lignocellulose, lignin can be removed. In addition, if desired, the fibrous material can be sterilized to kill any microorganisms that may be present on the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material can be sterilized by exposing the fibrous material to radiation, such as infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation or ionizing radiation, such as gamma radiation. The fibrous material can also be sterilized by heating the fibrous material under conditions and for a period of time sufficient to destroy any micro-organisms or the use of chemical sterilizing agent, such as bleach (e.g., sodium hypochlorite), chlorhexidine, or ethylene oxide.

Any fibrous material can be subjected to washing, for example, using a liquid such as water, to remove any unwanted impurities and / or contaminants.

In a particular application the fibrous material can be used as a raw material for various microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria which can ferment or otherwise processed fibrous materials for obtaining the useful material, such as fuel, e.g., ethanol, an organic acid, a hydrocarbon or hydrogen, or a protein.

Prepared may be monohydroxy alcohol, e.g., ethanol or polyhydroxy alcohols, e.g., ethylene glycol or glycerol. Examples of alcohols which can be produced include methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, glycerol or mixtures of these alcohols. Prepared organic acid may be monocarboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid. Examples of organic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid , γ-hydroxybutyric acid or mixtures of these acids. Hydrocarbons may be prepared, for example, be an alkane or alkene. Examples of hydrocarbons that can be produced include methane, ethane, propane, isobutene, pentane, n-hexane or a mixture of these hydrocarbons.

In a particular embodiment, the fiber source, which comprises a source of cellulosic and / or lignocellulosic fiber was subjected to cutting to provide a first fibrous material. Thereafter, the first fibrous material is passed through a first screen having an average opening size of about 1.59 mm or less (1/16 inch, 0.0625 inch) to provide a second fibrous material. The second fibrous material is combined with a bacterium and / or enzyme. In this particular embodiment, the bacterium and / or enzyme capable of directly without pretreatment using the second fibrous material to produce fuel that includes hydrogen, an alcohol, an organic acid and / or a hydrocarbon.

In some embodiments, prior to combining the bacteria and / or enzyme fibrous material is sterilized to kill any microorganisms that may be present on the fibrous material. For example, the fibrous material can be sterilized by exposing the fibrous material to radiation, such as infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation or ionizing radiation, such as gamma radiation. The microorganisms can be destroyed and also the use of chemical sterilizing agents such as bleach (e.g., sodium hypochlorite), chlorhexidine, or ethylene oxide.

In a particular embodiment, the cellulosic and / or lignocellulosic material is a fibrous material is first decomposed to produce lower molecular weight sugars, which are then added to a solution of yeast and / or bacteria which ferment sugar lower molecular weight to produce ethanol. The cellulosic and / or lignocellulosic material can be expanded by using chemicals such as acid or base, using enzymes or by a combination of both methods. Chemical hydrolysis of cellulosic materials described in the works Bjerre, Biotechnol. Bioenerg., 49: 568 (1996) and Kim, Biotechnol. Prog., 18: 489 (2002), each of which is in its entirety incorporated by reference herein.

Strategies for bioethanol production are discussed in DiPardo, Journal of Outlook for Biomass Ethanol Production and Demand (EIA Forecasts), 2002; Sheehan, Biotechnology Progress, 15: 8179, 1999; Martin, Enzyme Microbes Technology, 31: 274, 2002;

Greer, BioCycle, 61-65, April 2005; Lynd, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 66: 3, 506-577, 2002; Ljungdahl et al., US Patent №4292406; and Bellamy, US patent №4094742, each of which in its entirety incorporated by reference herein.

Referring now to Figure 19, it can be said that the fibrous material with a low bulk density, can be combined with a microorganism, e.g., lyophilized yeast or bacteria and / or enzyme, and then subjected to reversibly seal for preparing a composition of fibrous material, which has an increased bulk density. For example, the composition of the fibrous material has a bulk density of 0.05 g / cm3, which can be sealed as a result of sealing the fibrous material in a relatively gas impermeable structure, for example, bags made of polyethylene or a bag made of alternating layers of polyethylene and nylon, and thereafter pumping structure of the entrapped gas, such as air. After pumping the air from the structure of the fibrous material may, for example, characterized by a bulk density greater than 0.3 g / cm3, e.g., 0.5 g / cm3 and 0.6 g / cm3 and 0.7 g / cm3 or more, e.g. , 0.85 g / cm3. This can be advantageous in transporting the desirability of fibrous material to another location, e.g., a remote manufacturing plant, where the fibrous material composition can be added in solution, for example, to produce ethanol. After perforating a substantially gas impermeable structure compacted fibrous material is returned almost to its initial bulk density, e.g., greater than 60% of its initial bulk density, e.g., 70%, 80%, 85% or more, for example 95%, of its the initial density. To reduce static electricity in the fibrous material to the fibrous material may be added an antistatic agent. For example, the fibrous material may be added an antistatic chemical compound, for example, a cationic compound, for example a quaternary ammonium compound.

In some embodiments, a structure, such as a package produced from a material which is soluble in a liquid such as water. For example, the structure can be prepared from a polyvinyl alcohol so that it dissolves when contacted with water-based systems. Such embodiments make it possible to add the compacted bodies directly in solutions, for example, that include a microorganism, without first releasing the structure, for example, by rassekaniya.

Other Embodiments

Although the description of the specific embodiments are possible, and other embodiments.

Despite the use in some embodiments to produce the desired fibrous material sieves, in some embodiments, to produce the desired fibrous material no sieve is not used. For example, in some embodiments, the source fibers are subjected to shearing between the first pair of blades, which define a first gap that results in a first fibrous material. Thereafter, the first fibrous material is between the second pair of cutting edges which define a second gap that is smaller than the first gap that results in a second fiber material.

Similar screening processes can be repeated as many times as it is desired to produce the desired fibrous material having the desired properties.

In some embodiments, the ratio between the average ratio between the length and diameter of the first fibrous material and the average ratio between the length and diameter of the second fibrous material is less than 1.5.

The scope of the following claims also includes other embodiments.