Crosslinking and structural changes of cellulose fibers

Abstract

AbstractThe supermolecular structure of various cellulose fibers modified with crosslinking reagents has been investigated by electron microscopy methods. The density, degree of crystallinity (DC), and length changes in alkaline solutions were measured for the modified celluloses. The samples treated with monofunctional analogs of the crosslinking reagents as well as the fiber preparations containing linear and network polymer were also investigated. Three main problems are suggested for the discussion: (1) the general regularities of the structural changes in cellulose in the process of crosslinking; (2) the specific features of the structural changes, as observed in different cellulose samples; (3) the relation between the degree of modification, the type of modifying reagent, and the structure of the crosslinked cellulose. The characteristic structural changes, i.e., the increase in the thickness of fragments, the specific cogged edges, the increase in the lateral dimensions of structural elements all seem to be most representative in native cellulose fibers and are perfectly well distinguished. Similar changes are found in viscose fibers but are less clearly defined. Crosslinking proceeds rather uniformly through the whole of the fiber cross section. It appeared to be most evident when the cross sections are treated with solvents, or when etched in gaseous discharge. Only in cases when the modification is performed in nonaqueous solutions does the reaction proceed mainly in the peripherial regions of the fiber. In fibers subjected to strong swelling, crosslinking results in a real increase in the lateral dimensions of the microfibrils, with the layer thicknesses remaining the same. As a rule, the modification does not imply significant changes in the fiber surface. The crystallite size decreases in the process of crosslinking. This appears to be peculiar to viscose fibers, especially to those subjected to crosslinking in the swollen state. The degree of crystallinity and density of the fibers decrease sharply, which seems to be especially evident in epichlorohydrin‐modified samples. Cellulose structure remains unchanged when linear or network polymer forms in the fiber or when the samples are treated with monofunctional reagents. Changes in properties and structure of cellulose caused by crosslinking are most apparent if elongation of the fibers in alkaline solution before and after the modification is compared.