Some Aspects of the Reaction between Urea and Cellulose

A reaction occurs between cellulose and urea when cellulose and an aqueous solution of urea are heated to an elevated temperature. Evidence for reaction are (1) insolu bility of the treated cellulose in cupriethylenediamine, (2) changed infrared absorption spectrum, (3) nitrogen content unaffected by boiling water, (4) changed dyeing proper ties, and (5) modified moisture regain. There is no change in the cellulose X-ray dif fraction pattern, and all of the original cellulose properties are restored by boiling in 2% caustic solution. The urea treatment does not affect the textile properties of cotton fabric. Biuret also reacts with cellulose giving a product having the same properties as the material treated with urea.