Studies and Experimental Investigations in Connection with Chemical Bonding in Resin-Treated Cellulose

摘要

The nature of the interactions between methylolmelamine resins and cotton was investigated. A new chemical analytical method for the elucidation of the chemical structure of resin-treated cotton was developed. Data are presented for the degree of substitution of cellulose by trimethylolmelamine, and for the distribution of these substituents between the various hydroxyl groups of the anhydroglucose unit under various curing conditions. It was shown by an investigation of weathered resin-treated cotton samples that periodate oxidation can be used as a sensitive index of the structural changes occurring during resin degradation. Microscopy and solubility studies in the cellulose solvent cadoxen, in connection with Smith degradations, were found to provide a method for assessing any cellulose chemical treatment for uniformity and effectiveness of covalent cross-linking. Preliminary results are presented on the distribution of resin substituents along the cellulose chain, and considerable nonuniformity of resin substitution is indicated. (Author)