Direct characterization of cotton fabrics treated with di-epoxide by nuclear magnetic resonance

A non-acid-based, di-functional epoxide, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether (NPGDGE), was used to modify cotton fabrics. Direct characterization of the modified cotton was conducted by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) without grinding the fabric into a fine powder. NaOH and MgBr2 were compared in catalyzing the reaction between the epoxide groups of NPGDGE and the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. Possible reaction routes were discussed. Scanning...