Abstract:
Methods of sulfonating a polymer are provided. One method of sulfonating a polymer includes exposing sulfur dioxide and oxygen to free radical producing energy and contacting the polymer with the product of preceding step. Desirably, the steps of exposing sulfur dioxide and oxygen to free radical producing energy and contacting the polymer with this product are performed in a reduced pressure environment. Another method of sulfonating a polymer includes contacting the polymer with sulfur dioxide and oxygen and exposing the contacted polymer to free radical producing energy. The polymer may be contacted with a mixture of sulfur dioxide and oxygen or the polymer may be separately contacted with sulfur dioxide and oxygen. When the polymer is separately contacted with sulfur dioxide and oxygen, the polymer may first be contacted with sulfur dioxide and then contacted with oxygen. The source of the free radical producing energy may be ultra-violet light, electron beam, noble gas radio frequency (rf) plasma, corona discharge, or gamma radiation.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an anionic polysaccharide having superabsorbent characteristics, its polysaccharide being substituted by sulphate groups and the polysaccharide being cross-linked to a sufficient extent that it remains insoluble in water. The polysaccharide is preferably cellulose. The anionic polysaccharide can be made by a process which comprises (i) reacting a polysaccharide with a pyridine -SO3 complex in a solvent; followed by (ii) reacting with a cross-linking agent to provide a degree of cross-linking sufficient that the product remains insoluble in water. The sulphated polysaccharides show superabsorbent properties largely independent of pH over a wide range and can be used in applications where it is desired to absorb salt containing aqueous liquids, for example in diapers and catamenials.
Abstract:
A new method for preparation of sulfated polysaccharides by means of pyridine-chlorosulfonic acid reagents. The polysaccharide is before sulfation treated with a reducing agent, e.g. sodium borohydride.