Twisted, chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers and absorbent structures made therefrom
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Cellulose Company
InventorsDanny R. Moore, James W. Owens, Howard L. Schoggen
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Abstract
Individualized, stiffened, twisted cellulosic fibers and absorbent structures made from such fibers. The fibers have an average dry fiber twist count of at least about 4.5 twist nodes per millimeter, an average wet fiber twist count of at least about 0.5 twist nodes per millimeter less than the dry fiber twist count, and a water retention value of between about 28% and about 50%. Preferably the fibers have an average wet fiber twist count of at least about 3.0 twist nodes per millimeter and an isopropyl alcohol retention value of less than about 30%.
Claims28
Cellosic fibrous material comprising individualized, chemically stiffened, curled cellulosic fibers and a crosslinking agent, wherein said crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehyde acid analoques having at least one aldehyde group, and oligomers of said dialdehydes and dialdehyde acid analogues, said fibers chemically stiffened by reaction with from about 0.75 mole % to about 2.0 mole % of said crosslinking agent, calculated on a cellulose anhydroglucose molar basis, said fibers having:
- a. an average dry fiber twist count of at least about 4.5 twist nodes per millimeter;
- b. an average wet fiber twist count of at least about 3.0 twist nodes per millimeter and at least about 0.5 twist nodes per millimeter less than said dry fiber twist count;
- c. an average isopropyl alcohol retention value of less than about 30%;
- and
- d. an average water retention value of between about 28% and about 50%.
An absorbent structure comprising a mass of individualized, chemically stiffened, curled cellulosic fibers and a crosslinking agent, wherein said crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehyde acid analogues having at least one aldehyde group, and oligmers of said dialdehydes and dialdehyde acid analogues, said fibers chemically stiffened by reaction with from about 0.75 mole % to about 2.0 mole % of said crosslinking agent, calculated on a cellulose anhydroglucose molar basis, said fibers having:
- a. an average dry fiber twist count of at least about 4.5 twist nodes per millimeter;
- b. an average wet fiber count of at least about 3.0 twist nodes per millimeter and at least about 0.5 twist nodes per millimeter less than said dry fiber twist count;
- c. an average isopropyl alcohol retention value of less than about 30%;
- and
- d. an averge water retention value of between about 28% and about 50%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.