Polysaccharide or protein articles with included non-aqueous liquid

Claim 2

A product comprising a substantially dry-to-the-touch article and a closed, moisture impervious container containing said article, the article comprising: i) a matrix of polysaccharide or protein or a mixture thereof; and ii) a non-aqueous liquid, having a dielectric constant of from 1.5 to 40, included within the matrix; the weight ratio of the non-aqueous liquid to the matrix being from 1:1000 to 1:1; the non-aqueous liquid being included in the matrix by hydrogen bonding until it is released when the article is contacted with water.

Claim 3

A product according to claim 1, in which the polysaccharide is cellulose.

Claim 4

A product according to claim 2, in which the cellulose is derived from cotton, flax, wood or mixtures thereof.

Claim 5

A product according to claim 2 or 3, in which the cellulose is regenerated cellulose.

Claim 6

A product according to claim 2, 3 or 4, in which the cellulose is a chemically modified cellulose.

Claim 7

A product according to claim 1, in which the polysaccharide is starch.

Claim 8

A product according to claim 6, in which the starch is a chemically modified starch.

Claim 9

A product according to claim 1, in which the protein is keratin.

Claim 10

A product according to claim 8, in which the keratin is derived from animal wool.

Claim 11

A product according to claim 8, in which the keratin is derived from human hair.

Claim 12

A product according to claim 1, in which the protein is casein.

Claim 13

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the non-aqueous liquid has a dielectric constant of from 2 to 30.

Claim 14

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the non-aqueous liquid has a dielectric constant of from 2 to 10.

Claim 15

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the non-aqueous liquid comprises an organic solvent.

Claim 16

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the non-aqueous liquid comprises an organic solvent containing dissolved therein a solute.

Claim 17

A product according to claim 15, in which the solute is chosen from germicides, antimicrobials, antifogs, antiperspirants, antistats, fungicides, insect repellants, anti-inflammatory agents, UV absorbers, insecticides, flavours, fragrances, deodorant perfumes and mixtures thereof.

Claim 18

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the weight ratio of the non-aqueous liquid to the matrix is from 1:1000 to 1:2.

Claim 19

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the weight ratio of the non-aqueous liquid to the matrix is from 1:1000 to 1:3.

Claim 20

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the weight ratio of the non-aqueous liquid to the matrix is from 1:1000 to 1:4.

Claim 21

A product according to any preceding claim further comprising a solid vehicle, carrier, extender or diluent other than a polysaccharide or protein.

Claim 22

A product according to any preceding claim which forms a woven fabric.

Claim 23

A product according to any of claims 1 to 20 which forms a non-woven fabric.

Claim 24

A product according to any preceding claim which forms a sheet, tissue, yarn, surgical dressing, swab, sponge, dental floss or sanitary towel.

Claim 25

A product according to any of claims 1 to 22 which forms a water permeable bag for tea, coffee, herbs or spices.

Claim 26

A product according to any of claims 1 to .22 which forms a powder or tablet.

Claim 27

A product according to claim 25 which forms a dry powdered or tabletted beverage or foodstuff ingredient.

Claim 28

A product according to any preceding claim, in which the moisture impervious container is a sachet of flexible material.

Claim 29

A product according to any of claims 1 to 26, in which the moisture impervious container is a sachet of flexible material.

Claim 30

A process for the manufacture of a product comprising a substantially dry-to-the-touch article contained in a closed, moisture impervious container, according to any preceding claim, which process comprises the steps of: i) contacting the matrix of polysaccharide and/or protein with an aqueous liquid; ii) subsequently contacting the matrix with at least a first non-aqueous liquid which is miscible with the aqueous liquid and which has a dielectric constant of from 1.5 to 40; iii) drying the matrix to remove superficial remains of liquid to provide a dry-to-the-touch article; and iv) packaging the article in a closed moisture impervious container.

Claim 31

A process for the manufacture of a product comprising a substantially dry-to-the-touch article contained in a closed, moisture impervious container according to any of claims 1 to 28, which process comprises the steps of: i) contacting the matrix of polysaccharide and/or protein with a first non-aqueous liquid chosen from a C, to C 4 alkanol, aldehyde or ketone or mixtures thereof.with water; ii) subsequently contacting the matrix with a second non-aqueous liquid which is miscible with the first and which has a dielectric constant which is lower than that of the first non-aqueous liquid; iii) drying the matrix to remove superficial remains of liquid to provide a dry-to-the-touch article; and iv) packaging the article in a closed moisture impervious container.