Glyoxal crosslinked cellulosic fibers having improved brightness and color

Abstract

Glyoxal crosslinked cellulosic fibers having improved brightness and color, and methods for making the fibers.

1 . Individualized, crosslinked cellulosic fibers, comprising cellulosic fibers treated with only an aqueous glyoxal solution in an amount effective to provide crosslinked fibers having color characterized by an L value greater than about 92.  
     
     
         2 . The fibers of  claim 1  having an a value greater than about −2.3 and less than about +0.2.  
     
     
         3 . The fibers of  claim 1  having a b value less than about 7.5.  
     
     
         4 . The fibers of  claim 1 , wherein the L value is greater than about 95.  
     
     
         5 . The fibers of  claim 1  having a brightness greater than about 80% ISO.  
     
     
         6 . The fibers of  claim 1  having a brightness greater than about 85% ISO.  
     
     
         7 . The fibers of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of glyoxal is from about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight based on the weight of fibers.  
     
     
         8 . The fibers of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of glyoxal is from about 1 to about 4 percent by weight based on the weight of fibers.  
     
     
         9 . An absorbent product, comprising cellulosic fibers treated with only an aqueous glyoxal solution in an amount effective to provide crosslinked fibers having color characterized by an L value greater than about 92.  
     
     
         10 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein the crosslinked fibers have a brightness greater than about 80% ISO.  
     
     
         11 . The product of  claim 9  further comprising fluff pulp fibers.  
     
     
         12 . The product of  claim 9  further comprising superabsorbent material.  
     
     
         13 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein the product is an infant diaper.  
     
     
         14 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein the product is an adult incontinence product.  
     
     
         15 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein the product is a feminine hygiene product.  
     
     
         16 . The product of  claim 9 , wherein the product is at least one of a tissue or towel.  
     
     
         17 . A paperboard product, comprising cellulosic fibers treated with only an aqueous glyoxal solution in an amount effective to provide crosslinked fibers having color characterized by an L value greater than about 92.  
     
     
         18 . The product of  claim 17 , wherein the crosslinked fibers have a brightness greater than about 80% ISO.  
     
     
         19 . The product of  claim 17 , wherein the product is an insulated paperboard.  
     
     
         20 . The product of  claim 17 , wherein the product is a packaging material.