Chemically modified cotton linters: preparations and papermaking properties

Cotton linters are a relatively economic fibre source for the pulp and paper industry. However, their use is limited by poor interfibre bonding and low tensile and burst strength. This thesis describes efforts to improve the papermaking properties of Australian cotton linters via selected modifications of the cellulose backbone. The reactions involved in cellulose modifications included substitution and addition reactions, introduction of an aldehyde functionality, Michael-type addition reactions and double derivatizations. Modifications also included blends of anionic and cationic derivatives. Reported methods were improved or modified and new derivatives prepared in each of the above reaction categories. In addition some cellulose derivatives previously prepared for other applications were investigated for their papermaking properties.