Method for increasing the reactivity and digestibility of cellulose with ammonia
US4600590A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S426/807
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of treating cellulose-containing materials to increase chemical and biological reactivity of cellulose. The cellulose is contacted, in a pressure vessel, with a volatile liquid swelling agent having a vapor pressure greater than atmospheric at ambient temperatures, such as ammonia. The contact is maintained for a sufficient time to enable said agent to swell the cellulose fibers. The pressure is rapidly reduced to atmospheric, allowing said agent to boil and explode the cellulose fiber structure. The rapid pressure reduction also causes some freezing of the cellulose. The agent is separated from said cellulose and recovered for recycling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.