Patent ID: 9079978
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: C08B,D21H

Abstract:
1. A method of processing pulp fibres containing cellulose, comprising: (i) treating said fibres with (a) hydroxy acid monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, or mixtures thereof and/or with (b) oligomers of hydroxy acid monomers selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, or mixtures thereof, for softening the fibres and bonding the acid groups to the OH groups of the fibres by an ester bond, wherein said treatment results in said hydroxy acid monomers and/or oligomers of said hydroxy acid monomers being esterified to the fibres; and (ii) enhancing the reaction by treating the fibres of (i) in the presence of lactic acid or glycolic acid monomers and/or oligomers with a catalyst, so that lactic acid or glycolic acid is bonded to the hydroxy acid monomers and/or oligomers that are esterified to the fibres,