Effects of Ultrasound and Cross‐Linking Pretreatment on the Absorb Properties of Fluff Pulp

ABSTRACT As one of the most important characteristics, absorption properties of fluffy pulp have been of interest to a wide range of researchers. In this study, ultrasonic pretreatment and cross‐link reaction were participated in the system in order to improve the absorption properties of fluff pulp fibers. Ultrasound pretreatment is able to reduce the hydrogen bonding between fibers, which not only increases the fibers of water capacity but also improves the absorption properties of fluffy pulps. The carboxyl groups in cross‐link agents can form ester bonds with the hydroxyl groups in the fibers. The results demonstrated that fluffy pulps exhibited excellent fluffiness and resilience under the condition of cross‐link reaction, and the water absorption time can be decreased to 2.13 s. Furthermore, the modified fluff pulp fibers had high water retention values under the synergistic effect of ultrasound and cross‐linking pretreatment.