Physical and fine structure properties of cotton fibers swollen with trimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide

Abstract

synopsisCotton fiber was treated with aqueous trimethylbeneylammonium hydroxide (Triton B) at concentrations over the range 25%4oY0. After complete removal of the swelling agent, the samples were evaluated for the extent of swelling, strength and elongation, birefringence, moisture regain, density, crystallinity, x-ray diffraction patterns, and microfibrillar morphology. Electron-microscopical examination and other evaluation of fine structure properties revealed that the nature of swelling is intercrystalline up to 30% concentration of Triton B, and intracrystalline beyond that. Although the swelling as measured by propanol-2 retention after treatment with 30% Triton B is about twice as much as that of the control, the original structure remains almost unchanged except for some gain in strength and elongation and increase in moisture regain. At 320/, Triton B concentration and beyond, rapid decrystallization takes place, accompanied by a fall in birefringence, density, and crystallinity index. X-Ray analysis showed significant loss of lateral order and partial conversion of cellulose I to cellulose I1 at 35% and 4Oy0 Triton B concentrations. The results indicate that, used a t the critical concentration of 30%, Triton B can be a useful swelling agent for cotton fibers BS it opens up the fine structure of cellulose considerably without impairing any important physical properties.

The Effect of Pretreatment with Trimethylbenzylammonium Hydroxide on the Physical Properties of Formaldehyde-Crosslinked Fabrics

“…from Mites Lahoratories.1 Since the concentration of the aqueous Triton B is critical [2], it was standardized by titration with 0.1 N H(Fl using methyl purple as an indicator. In standardizing swelling-treatment time, purified cotton fiher was treated with 30% Triton I3 (1:50) for periods varying from 15 to 120 min at 25°C, the swollen cotton was washed free of 'rriton B with distilled water, and the extraneous water was removed I>y suction under vacuum.…”

“…In standardizing swelling-treatment time, purified cotton fiher was treated with 30% Triton I3 (1:50) for periods varying from 15 to 120 min at 25°C, the swollen cotton was washed free of 'rriton B with distilled water, and the extraneous water was removed I>y suction under vacuum. This samlle was then treated w ith formaldehyde by the Form W process [2] for 1 hr at 25°C. The cross-linked sample was thoroughly washed with distilled water, rinsed with 1 % :B'H40H, again washed thoroughly in distilled water to neutral pH value, solvent-exchanged in dry methanol, followed by diethy ether, and air-dried.…”

“…The conditioned wrinkle recovery of fabrics showed practically 1 The research was conducted white the author was pursuing an NRC-ARS Postdoctoral Research Associateship, 1968-1970. 2 Mention of commercial sources is for information only and does not constitute endorsement by the U. S. Department of Agriculture over other manufacturers whose products may also be suitable. The values of the wrinkle recovery angle for the crosslinked (Table I) are somewhat lower than other values reported in the literature.…”