New functionalities in cellulosic fibers developed by chemical modification

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the current state in the field of cellulosic fibers functionalization by chemical modification. The emphasis is placed on the selective (periodate and TEMPO oxidation) and non-selective (permanganate and peroxide) cellulose oxidation, non-conventional methods for obtaining man-made cellulosic fibers, methods for obtaining antimicrobial cellulosic fibers, as well as method for obtaining two-component polysaccharide fibers. To provide evidence on the achieved functionalities we mainly used capillary rise method, moisture and iodine sorption method, water retention power, NaOH uptake, different ions sorption, Cu-number, carbonyl-and carboxyl-selective labelling and antimicrobial tests.