The Behavior of Ethylenimine with Cellulose in the Presence of Acetic Acid

Abstract

Cotton and rayon celluloses heated in the presence of ethylenimine and acetic acid dissolved in benzene were found to contain a significant amount of fixed nitrogen. Some polymer was formed but was removed by washing with water. The optimum molar ratio of acid-to-imine seemed to be in the range 1:10 to 1:20. Nitrogen content in treated cotton after a 2-hr boil in 2% sodium hydroxide was 1.5%; in treated rayon, 2.7%. There was no change in the crystal lattice. Infrared spectra were similar to those of aminoethylcellulose. The treated cellulose dyed with acid wool dyes, complexed readily with metal ions, and showed moderate ion-exchange capacity. There seemed to be little change in tensile strength as a result of the inline treatment.