Cross-linked cellulose fibers
US4204055A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1978 |
| Grant date | May 20, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD21H17/06
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is directed to cross-linked cellulose fibers wherein cellulose pulp is fluffed, aerated, and exposed to a reaction mixture comprising formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid and formic acid as finely divided droplets or vapors. The thus treated fibers are cured by subjecting the fibers to a hot air stream at a temperature of from about 180.degree.-200.degree. C. for a duration of a few seconds, followed by separation of the fibers from the gaseous effluents. The procedure which lasts less than about one minute provides cellulose fibers cross-linked with formaldehyde wherein the predominant amount of cross-linking occurs at the surface of the fibers rather than at the core of the fibers. The fibers have improved characteristics including flexibility, touch and feel, rendering the fibers highly useful in paper products.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.