Intrinsically coloured polymers from cellulose carbanilates

The synthesis and characterization of intrinsically coloured polymers from cellulose tricarbanilates has been achieved. Data relating to the intermediate stages are given. Spectroscopy, thermal analysis and light fastness tests were used to establish some of the physical properties of the products. Information was obtained regarding the kinetics of nitration of cellulose tricarbanilate and the nature of the nitration process has been elucidated. Evidence is presented which indicates that the light fastness characteristics of coloured compounds are not necessarily governed by energy transfer phenomena since the system studied is known to exhibit efficient energy transfer yet the light fastness results are invariably poor. The thermal properties of the products are complex and best dealt with in context.