CHEMICALLY CROSS-LINKED CELLULOSIC FIBER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

摘要

The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber having improv ed absorbency characteristics when compared to conventional cross-linked fibers . The cross-linked cellulosic fiber is obtainable by reacting pulp in the shee t or fluff form with one or more reagents selected from organic molecule havin g acid and aldehyde functional groups "acid aldehydes." The invention also relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote intrafiber cross-linking. T he cross-linked fibers are characterized by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross- linked fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.