Polymer modified cellulose fibers and method of producing

Abstract

This invention relates to improved methods for treatment of polymer modified cellulose fibers to greatly enhance their ability to absorb and retain aqueous fluids, thereby increasing their usefulness in disposable diapers, catamenial and surgical pads and other absorptive, single use pads where utility depends primarily on rapid, high volume fluid absorption and retention. More particularly, this invention relates to the treatment of absorptive fibrous products comprising crumb-hydrolyzed polyacrylate-modified natural cellulose fibers by procedures which permanently swell and condition the fibers so that they are capable of absorbing and retaining much greater volumes of aqueous fluids than the same materials prior to the treatment by the processes of this invention.