Effect of tetramethylammonium hydroxide on cotton cellulose compared to sodium hydroxide

Cotton fabric was treated with aqueous solutions of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and sodium hydroxide of various concentrations. The sorption of both chemicals, the specific weight of the fabric, the cellulose I-cellulose II transition, BET surface, the iodine sorption capacity, and the water retention value were measured and compared. Although less amount of TMAH was adsorbed by cellulose than NaOH, the TMAH proved to be a more effective swelling agent of cellulose. The difference between their swelling effect starts to be significant at about 2 mol o dm-3 concentration.