Decrystallization of Cotton Cellulose by Dual Treatments with Benzyltrimethylammonium Hydroxide and Alkali Metal Hydroxides

Abstract

Kiered, cotton yarns undergo extensive decrystallization when wet in the slack state with 2.1 N aqueous henzyltri methylammonium hydroxide. The decrystallization is temporary, inasmuch as washing and drying cause the yarn to recrystallize to Cellulose I. However, much of the decrystallization can be rendered permanent, if the swollen yarns are aftertreated with aqueous sodium or potassium hydroxide prior to washing and air-drying. The alkali aftertreatment also alters a variety of other physical properties in ways differing from either swelling treatment carried out alone.

The effects of concentration and type of alkali metal hydroxides on the decrystallization, lattice conversion, and physical properties of the yarns are reported. The effect of tension applied during various stages of these dual treatments is dis cussed with respect to textile properties of the yarns before and after crosslinking with DMEU, and also with respect to crystallinity, lattice conversion, and orientation imparted.