abstract |
(57) Abstract: providing a cellulose fiber, comprising the steps of contacting the fibers with a solution containing C 2 -C 9 polycarboxylic acid crosslinking agent, substantially mechanically separate the fibers individualized form , Drying the fibers, and reacting a cross-linking agent with the individualized fibers to form intra-fiber crosslinks, to produce odor-reduced, individualized cross-linked fibers. A method is disclosed. The individualized cellulose fibers are then contacted with a strong alkaline solution and a strong oxidizing agent to reduce odor and increase whiteness. The crosslinking agent is preferably citric acid, and preferably from about 1.0% to about 12.0% by weight of the crosslinking agent reacts to form intra-fiber crosslinking. The alkaline solution is preferably an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, and preferably about 0.09% by weight, based on dry fiber weight, of sodium hydroxide is added to the crosslinked fibers. The oxidizing agent is preferably hydrogen peroxide, and preferably about 0.04% by weight, based on dry fiber weight, of hydrogen peroxide is added to the crosslinked fibers. Individualized crosslinked fibers with reduced odor are useful in a variety of absorbent structure applications. |