Non-Aqueous Ester Cross-Linking of Cotton Cellulose

Abstract

A new method for determining the extent of cross-linking in cotton has been investi gated. This method involves non-aqueous esterification with succmic anhydride to pro duce simple monomolecular cross-links without polymer formation. Analytical methods for the quantitative determination of the ester cross-links and the substituted cellulose byproducts of the esterification reaction have been developed. Two solvent systems. pyridine and an acetic acid-acetic anhydride mixture, have been investigated. The effect of variations in the concentrations of reactants and catalysts in the esterification reaction on crease recovery, tear strength, and the degree of cross-linking has been determined. A non-linear relationship between degree of cross-linking and crease re covery angle has been shown to exist, but this relationship changes with reaction conditions.