Study on the Decrystallization of Cotton*

It was found that cotton cellulose was remarkably decrystallized by treating with acryl-onitrile after padding with 18 % aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. By this reaction a little quantity of cyanoethyl unit was introduced into cellulose chains in the amophous region which was widened by the alkali swelling. It was presumed that the recrystallzation during water washing and drying was prevented by the introduction of cyanoethyl groups, and permanent effect of decrystallization was obtained. The decrease of degree of crystallinity was ascertained by acid hydrolysis, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The cotton fiber thus decrystallized has greater deal of moisture and dyestuff absorbency than untreated or mercerized cotton