Regenerated cellulose fibers, type viscose, have been oxidized with sodium hypochlorite and catalytic amounts of sodium bromide by using two different protocols: first, involving the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) and second, employing N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI). The reactions were carried out at room temperature and pH=10.5 for 2.5h. Viscose oxidized samples were analyzed and compared in terms of the negative charged groups content, as determined by potentiometric titration and methylene blue adsorption, morphologies and crystallinities changes, as well as changes in the degree of polymerization. The highest content of the carboxylic groups and the best preservation of the morphology and molecular weight of the original material have been found in the case of using NHPI/anthraquinone as oxidation mediators. TEMPO-mediated oxidation leads to the highest depolymerization and cause significant degradation of the cellulosic material.
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