Superiority of Cellulose Non-Solvent Chemical Modification over Solvent-Involving Treatment: Solution for Green Chemistry (Part I)

Abstract

In the following article, a new approach of cellulose modification, which does not incorporate any solvents (NS), is introduced. It is compared for the first time with the traditional solvent-involving (S) treatment. The analysed non-solvent modification process is carried out in a planetary mill. This provides the opportunity for cellulose mechanical degradation, decreasing its size, simultaneously with ongoing silane coupling agent grafting. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated the possibility of intense cleavage of the glucose rings in the cellulose chains during the mechano-chemical treatment. This effect was proved with dynamic light scattering (DLS) results—the size of the particles decreased. Moreover, according to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigation, modified samples exhibited decreased moisture content and a drop in the adsorbed water evaporation temperature. The performed research proved the superiority of the mechano-chemical treatment over regular chemical modification. The one-pot bio-filler modification approach, as a solution fulfilling green chemistry requirements, as well as compromising the sustainable development rules, was presented. Furthermore, this research may contribute significantly to the elimination of toxic solvents from cellulose modification processes.

The Impact of Hemp Shives Impregnated with Selected Plant Oils on Mechanical, Thermal, and Insulating Properties of Polyurethane Composite Foams

“…The first loss of mass occurs at~100 • C and refers to the release of water accommodated in the fillers. A second loss occurs in the range of 300-400 • C and is mostly connected with the decomposition of the cellulosic derivatives-cellulose and lignin, respectively [34,59]. Similar TG curves have been observed in the case of other cellulosic fillers [60].…”

Coir Fibers Treated with Henna as a Potential Reinforcing Filler in the Synthesis of Polyurethane Composites

“…In all cases, a three-stage decomposition of the PUR composites was observed. The first stage of decomposition (T max1 ) occurred in the range of 200–230 °C and referred to the moisture absorption of cellulosic filler [ 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ] and decomposition of the urethane bond [ 57 , 58 ]. The second stage (T max2 ) of the PUR-composite decomposition occurred in the range of 300–350 °C, and should be assigned to the thermal pyrolysis of hard segments of PUR, which resulted in the formation of alcohol and isocyanate groups [ 61 , 62 , 63 ].…”

Superiority of Cellulose Non-Solvent Chemical Modification over Solvent-Involving Treatment: Application in Polymer Composite (part II)

“…Further description of the performed modification effect on the properties of cellulose fibers has been discussed in the Part I of this research [ 50 ]. Nevertheless, some data considering the modified fibers characteristics are also considered in this article.…”

“… The effect of performed modification processes on the properties of cellulose fibers has been discussed in the Part I of this research [ 50 ]. …”