International Playtex, Inc.

Makoto Shinohara

Nathan D Field

Herman L Marder

A process for the preparation of a substantially water-insoluble, particulate sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, suitable for use as an absorbent in tampons and other catamenial devices or the like. The process involves heating solid, water-soluble sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, having a degree of substitution of at least 0.4, with carbon dioxide gas to substantially insolubilize the carboxymethyl cellulose and convert it to a form suitable for absorbent applications.

Preparation of water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose absorbents

A process for the preparation of substantially water-insoluble, particulate sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, suitable for use as an absorbent in tampons and other catamenial devices, or the like. The process involves treating solid, water-soluble sodium carboxymethyl cellulose having a degree of substitution of at least 0.4 with hydrogen chloride gas and heating the carboxymethyl cellulose, either after the hydrogen chloride treatment or concurrently therewith, to produce a cross-linked, insoluble, partially acid form carboxymethyl cellulose suitable for absorbent applications.

Growing community of inventors

Ringwood, NJ, United States of America

Makoto Shinohara