Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the surface modification of cellulose fiber and the resulting product, sulfonated cellulose. Cellulose is first oxidized, preferably with sodium metaperiodate (NaIO.sub.4), to form dialdehyde oxycellulose, which is then reacted with sodium bisulfite (NaHSO.sub.3) to produce sulfonated cellulose. Sulfonation of the cellulose fiber significantly increases the dry and wet tensile strength as well as the wet strength:dry strength ratio, making this modified cellulose fiber extremely useful in a wide variety of paper products requiring a combination of good strength in both wet and dry applications.

Abstract: A polymeric composition specifically adapted to absorb blood and other proteinaceous fluids and having repeating units, said polymeric composition comprising pendant neutralized carboxyl groups (salts) and pendant carboxyl groups. The polymeric composition is characterized in that the ratio of pendant neutralized carboxyl groups to pendant carboxyl groups is within the range of from about 1:9 to about 9:11, at least about 20 mole percent of the repeating units comprise a pendant neutralized carboxyl group or a pendant carboxyl group, and at least about 50 percent of the pendant neutralized carboxyl groups have been neutralized with a potassium or lithium base.

Abstract: A polymeric composition specifically adapted to absorb blood and other proteinaceous fluids and having repeating units, said polymeric composition comprising pendant neutralized carboxyl groups (salts) and pendant carboxyl groups. The polymeric composition is characterized in that the ratio of pendant neutralized carboxyl groups to pendant carboxyl groups is within the range of from about 1:9 to about 9:11, at least about 20 mole percent of the repeating units comprise a pendant neutralized carboxyl group or a pendant carboxyl group, and at least about 50 percent of the pendant neutralized carboxyl groups have been neutralized with a potassium or lithium base.