Addition of Lead from Sodium Plumbite Solution to Modified and Unmodified Cottons

Abstract

Lead monoxide was treated with a strong aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to yield an alkaline solution containing sodium plumbite. The lead from this solution added to unmodified cotton and to cotton containing either acidic or basic groups. The amount of lead added was compared to amounts added from other lead compounds, amounts added from nonaqueous solvents, and to amounts of copper or tin added under similar conditions. Some treated cotton samples contained almost 40% lead. Wrinkle recoveries were improved but flame retardance and rot resistance remained poor. Chemical procedures, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and wrinkle recoveries indicated that a chemical bond was formed between the lead and cotton and that some bonds were intermolecular.