Vinylated Cotton

Samples of vinylated cotton slivers with DS (degree of substitution) values of about 0.05 and below were found to be soluble in cupriethylenediamine hydroxide solution. Vis cosity determinations indicated D.P.'s of 97 to 586 which were considerably lower than that of the starting cotton (about 3000). Samples with higher D.S. values were all insoluhle in the reagent indicating at least a small amount of cross-linking. X-ray diffraction patterns made from the vinylated cotton slivers and cloth showed a nearly complete loss of cellulose crystallinity at D.S. values above about 0.10. This indicates good penetration of the crystalline regions by the catalyst and acetylene in the vinylation reaction. Good crease recovery angles were obtained by heating a sample of vinylated cotton print cloth ( D.S. = 0.21 ) with acidic catalysts. Most samples had breaking strength measurements 55-85% of the control cloth and showed 20-50% elongation at break.