Studies on the Partial Carboxymethylation of Cotton

Abstract

Additional studies have been made on partial carboxymethylation—the reaction between mono chloroacetic acid and cotton in the presence of sodium hydroxide—and on the products ob tained. A thorough investigation of the time and temperature of reaction and concentration of reagents showed that relatively small amounts of monochloroacetic acid, properly applied, alter the properties of cotton considerably. Pilot-scale carboxymethylation of cloth was conducted which showed that it is possible to use standard textile machinery in the process. The cloth resulting from this treatment had a crisp liand with a slightly starched feel. More detailed investigations than reported previously were made, and it was found that the tensile strength and elongation of treated cotton are increased, dyeing properties are changed, and soiling-resistance and soil removal are increased. It was also learned that the treated materials are unaffected after one year's storage.