Cross-sectional study of chemically treated cotton fibers

Abstract

Chemical impregnations to achieve flameproofing, wrinkle resistance, or modification to increase dimensional stability are typical processes aimed at improving the properties of cotton. These treatments involve the possibility of chemical linking of the cellulose to the impregnating reagent, or the formation of cross linking bonds between the cellulose members themselves within the fine structure of the fiber. Insolubility of the entire fiber or of small pieces of fiber in a dispersing agent such as cuprammonium hydroxide or cuprietheylenediamine hydroxide (CED) has been accepted as a characteristic of cross-linked cellulose. However, it has been difficult to evaluate the extent of cross linking; and the location of chemically modified areas within the fiber has been a matter of speculation. A new technique for treating thin sections directly on the specimen screen permits visual study of these phenomena.

One of the laboratories of the Southern Utilization Research and Development Division, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture.