The Acrylation, Methacrylation, and Acrylamidomethylation of Cellulose

Abstract

Partially acrylated and methacrylated cottons have been prepared from the respective acid chlorides and cotton fabric in the presence of various bases. Some of the physical properties of these materials were determined, and the acrylates were cross-linked through the double bond by two methods to give materials with wrinkle recoveries in the wash-wear range. One of the methods utilized sodium hydrogen sulfide as the cross-linking agent, and the other involved an over-cure with zinc nitrate as an acid catalyst. The latter method was also used to bring about a cross-linking reaction between cotton and N-methylolacrylamide by a one-step cure to give cottons with high wrinkle recoveries. The acid-catalyzed addition of acrylamide to cotton also was demonstrated. This process involved free radical as well as ionic mechanisms.