Stabilization of Neutral Hypochlorite-Oxidized Cotton Fiber

Abstract

Cotton fiber oxidized by neutral hypochlorite solution, like cotton fiber oxidized by periodate, suffers two types of damage: one type is immediately evident; the other is latent damage, which becomes evident after exposure of the oxidized fiber to aqueous alkali. But when fiber oxidized by neutral hypochlorite is treated with ethereal diazomethane before exposure to alkali, a portion of the latent damage does not develop. The oxidized and treated fiber displays lower alkali solubility, lower cuprammonium fluidity, and greater strength after exposure to alkali than does the fiber that is oxidized but not treated. ,

Chlorous acid, found to be effective against the latent damage in periodate-oxidized cotton, is not effective against the latent damage in hypochlorite-oxidized cotton.