CURRENT RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF CELLULOSE

Abstract—Research on the chemical modification of cellulosic textiles has been focussed primarily on crosslinking reactions during the late 1950's and early 1960's. During the last decade, emphasis has shifted to the study of modifications which alter the course of the thermal degradation of cellulose, and more specifically, to the study of compounds, reactions and processes which can be used to decrease flammability in cellulosics. This paper reviews current knowledge on thermal degradation reactions which occur in unmodified cellulose and in cellulose treated with flame retardants as a conceptual framework in which the effectiveness of specific compounds can be interpreted and discussed. In addition to exhibiting flame retardant effectiveness, compounds used for decreasing the flammability of cellulosics must satisfy a large number of other requirements which can only be defined with reference to the substrate, the specific application contemplated, and the level of flame resistance which is to be attained. Highlights of current research in this area are presented, including: recent work on flame retardant compounds used in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose fibers; new reagents and processes for modification of 100 % cotton fabrics by finishing; recent approaches to the complex problem of modifying polyester/cotton blend fabrics for flame resistant (self extinguishing) apparel. 1