Production of a cellulose-synthetic polymer composite fiber
AssigneeThe University of N.C. at Chapel Hill
InventorRichard M. Brown, Jr.
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Abstract
Hydrophilic characteristics are imparted to hydrophobic synthetic substrates, such as polyester fibers, by incubating a culture medium with Acetobacter bacterium in the presence of the substrate.
Claims11
A method for imparting hydrophilic characteristics to hydrophobic substrates which comprises incubating a culture medium inoculated with an Acetobacter bacterium capable of synthesizing cellulose microfibrils, in the presence of a hydrophobic synthetic substrate whereby cellulose microfibrils are produced on and attached to the surface of said substrate.
A process for imparting hydrophilic characteristic to a polyester fiber which comprises bringing said fiber into contact with a culture medium inoculated with an Acetobacter bacterium capable of synthesizing cellulose microfibrils for a period of time sufficient to incubate said bacterium and thereby result in the physical attachment of said microfibrils to said fiber whereby a polyester fiber of enhanced hydrophilic characteristics is obtained.
A process for enhancing hydrophilic characteristics of a cotton fiber which comprises bringing said fiber into contact with a culture medium inoculated with an Acetobacter bacterium capable of synthesizing cellulose microfibrils for a period of time sufficient to incubate said bacterium and thereby result in the physical attachment of said microfibrils to said fiber whereby a cotton fiber of enhanced hydrophilic characteristics is obtained.
A method for enhancing hydrophilic characteristics of hydrophilic substrates which comprises incubating a culture medium inoculated with an Acetobacter bacterium capable of synthesizing cellulose microfibrils, in the presence of a solid hydrophilic substrate whereby cellulose microfibrils are produced on and attached to the surface of said substrate which is a blend of natural and synthetic fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.