Studies on hydrolytic action of lactic acid on cotton fibres

Hydrolysis of cotton fibres using lactic acid was carried out for different durations. Acid concentrations of 1N, 2.5N and 10N were used at boil to determine the mechanism of hydrolysis. It has been observed that the rate of hydrolysis using lactic acid is initially fast and then slow. Further, the loss in weight is accompanied by the increase in percentage crystallinity, as determined using X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy, The tensile strength decreases with the increase in acid concentration and treatment duration. Appreciable degradation and cracks are observed in the surface morphology by electron microscopy.