| abstract |
Disclosed is a method for the surface modification of cellulose fiber and the resulting product, sulfonated cellulose. Cellulose is first oxidized, preferably with sodium metaperiodate (NaIO 4 ), to form dialdehyde oxycellulose, which is then reacted with sodium bisulfite (NaHSO 3 ) to produce sulfonated cellulose. Sulfonation of the cellulose fiber significantly increases the dry and wet tensile strength as well as the wet strength:dry strength ratio, making this modified cellulose fiber extremely useful in a wide variety of paper products requiring a combination of good strength in both wet and dry applications. |