Superficial modification of cellulose nanocrystals with silanes

BUFFA, JUAN MANUEL; ARANGUREN, MIRTA; MUCCI, VERÓNICA

Espoo

Taller; Frontiers on lignocellulosic nanoparticles: metrology and applications; 2015

VTT - Aalto University

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are known r their excellent physical properties, but also for their high amount of superficial hydroxyl groups. Because of that, CNC are easily dispersed in water, but not in non-polar solvents. In order to be able to use CNC in this solvents, superficial modification has proven to be an interesting approach. In this work, we use microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and by acid hydrolysis with H2SO4 we obtain CNC. Then use different modification techniques, using three organic silanes as reagents: 3-(chlorodimethylsilyl)propyl methacrylate, chlorodimethyldodecyl silane and trimethylchlorosilane. In each reaction, the objective is to obtain a highly functionalized material with high cristallinity index, so the characterization will be made using X-ray diffraction and FTIR. Taking this into account, we can optimize the procedure for each reagent to obtain the best material.