No abstract

The kinetic parameters of the crosslinking reaction between cellulose membranes and an aqueous solution of 1,4‐butanediol diglycidyl ether were determined by dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments. The reaction shows an autocatalytic behavior which was described by an extended Prout‐Tompkins equation. Conversion curves were simulated based on these results and function as a basis for the design and improvement of continuous processes used for the industrial production of crosslinked cellulose membranes.

Kinetic parameters of the cross-linking reaction of porous cellulose membranes with aqueous solutions of two different diglycidyl ethers were determined by dynamic DSC experiments. The autocatalytic reaction behavior was described with an extended Prout-Tompkins equation. Kinetic analysis revealed a similar kinetic behavior for both diglycidyl ethers, with an apparent activation energy of 45-65 kJ mol -1 and a reaction order between 0.9 and 1.5, suggesting a transition from one to another dominant reaction mechanism when the composition of the cross-linking solution is changed. Conversion curves based on the kinetic analysis serve as a basis for the design and optimization of a continuously running process for the industrial-scale production of cross-linked cellulose membranes.