DRY CELLULOSE FILAMENTS AND THE METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

The present invention relates to dry cellulose filaments and particularly those that are re-dispersible in water. Dry cellulose filaments comprise at least 50% by weight of the filaments having a filament length up to 350 μm; and a diameter of between 100 and 500 nm, wherein the filaments are re-dispersible in water. Also described here is a film of dry cellulose filaments comprising the filaments described, wherein the film is dispersible in water. A method of making a dry film of cellulose filaments is also described that includes providing a liquid suspension of the cellulose filaments described; and retaining the filaments on the forming section of a paper or tissue making machine or on a modified paper or tissue making machine. The film can be optionally converted to powders or flakes for shipment, storage or subsequent uses. The filaments, the film, the powders or flakes and the method are in a preferred embodiment free of additives and the derivatization of the filaments.