CELLULOSE DERIVATIVES HAVING GEL-LIKE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF

摘要

PURPOSE: Provided is a cellulose derivative which has gel-like rheological properties in aqueous solution without the addition of other substances or a particular temperature profile being required. A process for the preparation of the cellulose derivative is also provided. CONSTITUTION: The cellulose derivative having gel-like rheological properties in aqueous solution is prepared by the process comprising the steps of: (a) alkalizing cellulose with aqueous alkali metal hydroxide in the presence of a suspension medium; (b) reacting the alkalized cellulose with one or more alkylene oxides; (c) then, reacting with an alkyl halide present in the suspension medium; (d) subsequently or simultaneously, reacting the alkalized cellulose with a cross-linking agent in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.05 eq; and (e) after if appropriate, further addition of alkali metal hydroxide and/or alkylating agent, separating off the resultant irreversibly cross-linked cellulose derivative from the reaction mixture, optionally purifying and drying the irreversibly cross-linked cellulose derivative.