The invention relates to porous polymeric cellulose prepared via cellulose crosslinking. The porous polymeric cellulose can be incorporated into membranes and/or hydrogels. In preferred embodiments, the membranes and/or hydrogels can provide high dynamic binding capacity at high flow rates. Membranes and/or hydrogels comprising the porous polymeric cellulose are particularly suitable for filtration, separation, and/or functionalization media.

The invention relates to porous polymeric cellulose prepared via cellulose crosslinking. The porous polymeric cellulose can be incorporated into membranes and/or hydrogels. In preferred embodiments, the membranes and/or hydrogels can provide high dynamic binding capacity at high flow rates. Membranes and/or hydrogels comprising the porous polymeric cellulose are particularly suitable for filtration, separation, and/or functionalization media.

The present invention provides a novel method for producing carboxymethylated cellulose, the method making it possible to economically obtain a high-transparency cellulose nanofiber dispersion. In the carboxymethylation of cellulose, mercerization is carried out in a solvent comprising mainly water, and then carboxymethylation is carried out in a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent. A nanofiber dispersion of high-transparency carboxymethylated cellulose can be obtained by defibrating the resulting carboxymethylated cellulose.

The invention provides a method of coating a fabric, e.g. a textile material, with a polymer coating, which method comprises contacting a fabric with a monomer and subjecting the monomer to low power plasma polymerization, wherein the monomer comprises the general formula (I): C.sub.nF.sub.2n+1C.sub.mX.sub.2mCR.sub.1Y—OCO—C(R.sub.2)═CH.sub.2, wherein n is 2 to 6, m is 0 to 9, X and Y are H, F, Cl, Br or I, R.sub.1 is H or alkyl, e.g. —CH.sub.3, or a substituted alkyl, e.g. an at least partially halo-substituted alkyl, and R.sub.2 is H or alkyl, e.g. —CH.sub.3 or a substituted alkyl, e.g. an at least partially halo-substituted alkyl.

The invention provides a method of coating a fabric, e.g. a textile material, with a polymer coating, which method comprises contacting a fabric with a monomer and subjecting the monomer to low power plasma polymerization, wherein the monomer comprises the general formula (I): C.sub.nF.sub.2n+1C.sub.mX.sub.2mCR.sub.1Y—OCO—C(R.sub.2)═CH.sub.2, wherein n is 2 to 6, m is 0 to 9, X and Y are H, F, Cl, Br or I, R.sub.1 is H or alkyl, e.g. —CH.sub.3, or a substituted alkyl, e.g. an at least partially halo-substituted alkyl, and R.sub.2 is H or alkyl, e.g. —CH.sub.3 or a substituted alkyl, e.g. an at least partially halo-substituted alkyl.

Provided is a novel manufacturing method whereby a carboxymethylated cellulose nanofiber dispersion having high tarnasparency can be obtained economically. In carboxymethylation of cellulose in the present invention, mercerization is performed in water as the main solvent, after which carboxymethylation is performed in a solvent mixture of water and an organic solvent, By defibrating the resultant carboxymethylated cellulose, a carboxymethylated cellulose nanofiber dispersion having high transparency can be obtained economically.

A carboxymethylated cellulose having a carboxymethyl substitution of no more than 0.50 and a cellulose I type crystallization of at least 50%. Ideally, the anionization is 0.00-1.00 meq/g. The Schopper-Riegler freeness is ideally at least 60.0° SR. Ideally the ratio of filtration residue is 0%-30% by mass. The viscosity (30 rpm, 25° C.) for an aqueous dispersion having a 1% solid content (w/v) is ideally no more than 10.0 mPa.Math.s.

The invention relates to porous polymeric cellulose prepared via cellulose crosslinking. The porous polymeric cellulose can be incorporated into membranes and/or hydrogels. In preferred embodiments, the membranes and/or hydrogels can provide high dynamic binding capacity at high flow rates. Membranes and/or hydrogels comprising the porous polymeric cellulose are particularly suitable for filtration, separation, and/or functionalization media.

A chemically modified cellulosic fibre or filament having a moisture content of at least 7% by weight obtained by a process comprising the steps of (i) obtaining cellulosic fibres or filament and chemically modifying the cellulose by substitution to increase its absorbency; (ii) washing the fibres after step (i) in a mixture comprising water and up to 99% by weight of water-miscible organic solvent; (iii) drying the fibres to a moisture content of at least 7% by weight.

A chemically modified cellulosic fibre or filament having a moisture content of at least 7% by weight obtained by a process comprising the steps of (i) obtaining cellulosic fibres or filament and chemically modifying the cellulose by substitution to increase its absorbency; (ii) washing the fibres after step (i) in a mixture comprising water and up to 99% by weight of water-miscible organic solvent; (iii) drying the fibres to a moisture content of at least 7% by weight.