Location of Areas of Reaction in Chemically Treated Cotton Cellulose

Abstract

The modification of cotton cellulose by environmental conditions or by chemical treat ments for specific end uses ordinarily occurs at submicroscopic levels. Observations with the electron microscope have proven to be useful in delineating regions of the fiber cellulose affected by a variety of treatments, including dyeing, mercerization, acid and enzymatic hydrolysis, derivative formation, and resin impregnation. The appearance of fiber fragments treated in these ways or derived from treated fibers is illustrated and discussed.