摘要 |
The invention is directed to cross-linked cellulose fibers wherein cellulose pulp is fluffed, aerated, and exposed to a reaction mixture comprising formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid and formic acid as finely divided droplets or vapors. The thus treated fibers are cured by subjecting the fibers to a hot air stream at a temperature of from about 180 DEG -200 DEG C. for a duration of a few seconds, followed by separation of the fibers from the gaseous effluents. The procedure which lasts less than about one minute provides cellulose fibers cross-linked with formaldehyde wherein the predominant amount of cross-linking occurs at the surface of the fibers rather than at the core of the fibers. The fibers have improved characteristics including flexibility, touch and feel, rendering the fibers highly useful in paper products.
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