IMPROVED METHODS FOR DISPERSING FIBERS WITHIN AQUEOUS COMPOSITIONS

摘要

Compositions and methods in which dry-comminuted fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout a fibrous composition. The fibrous composition is characterized as having sufficient yield stress and viscosity such that the shearing forces from the mixing apparatus are effectively transferred down to the fiber level. This is accomplished by means of an appropriate thickening agent, e.g., gelatinized starch. The dry-comminuted fibers are exemplified by flash dry fibers or fibrous sheets that have been cut or torn into fragments less than 2 cm across. Providing fibers that have been dry-comminuted greatly reduces the time that it takes to obtain substantially homogeneous dispersion of the fibers throughout the fibrous composition. This, in turn, reduces the risk of mixture spoilage and mechanical or chemical damage to the solid components within the fibrous composition.