this citation summarizes a one-page announcement of technology available for utilization. the quest to improve on nature has led scientists to such well-known innovations as durable-press, fire-resistant, and stain-release finishes for cotton textiles. one of the latest fibers developed in the laboratory is a rare crystalline form of cellulose that promises to improve durable-press cotton's resistance to wear. the fiber, derived from native cotton and termed cellulose iii, also affords good permeability to dyes, pigments, and other tetile chemicals, a help in dyeing and processing. the fiber begins as plain cotton cellulose, selected from fiber, yarn, or fabric. it is treated with ammonia vapors at high temperature and pressure until its crystalline structure changes interatomic distances within the fiber are altered, converting the original cellulose i into a new, highly stable crystalline form of cellulose iii. the changes in geometric configuration can be observed by x-ray diffraction