A Survey of Soluble Chemically Modified Cotton Fibers

Many cellulose derivatives are known to be water- or alkali-soluble, The solubility of these derivatives which are principally esters and ethers has been found to be a func tion of the degree of polymerization, the nature of the substituent group, decree of substi tution, method of preparation, and type of solvent. A few soluble fibers have been pre pared from cotton in which the fibrous form of the cotton is retained during the prepa ration; that is, the cellulosic hydroxyl group has been chemically modified to a group which confers solubility to the fiber. Hydroxyethylation. carboxymethylation, and oxi dation are examples of such procedures and details of the processes are given. Factors affecting the solubility of chemccally modified cotton are discussed. Among these are the mechanism of solution of a modified fiber; and the problems of uniformity of treatment encountered in the chemical modification of cotton fiber, yarns, and fabric. Some of the present uses of soluble fibers and possible future uses are discussed.