Self-reinforced composites obtained by the partial oxypropylation of cellulose fibers. 2. Effect of catalyst on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties

Author(s)

de Menezes, Aparecido Junior ^[1] ; Pasquini, Daniel ^{[2, 3]} ; da Silva Curvelo, Antonio Aprigio ^[1] ; Gandini, Alessandro ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim Sao Carlos, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Aveiro, CICECO, P-3800 Aveiro - Portugal

^[3] Univ Aveiro, Dept Chem, P-3800 Aveiro - Portugal

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Cellulose; v. 16, n. 2, p. 239-246, 2009.
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Web of Science Citations: 21

Abstract

This work describes the partial oxypropylation of filter paper cellulose fibers, employing two different basic catalyst, viz., potassium hydroxide and 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane, to activate the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide and thus provide the anionic initiation sites for the “grafting-from” polymerization of propylene oxide. The success of this chemical modification was assessed by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements. The study of the role of the catalyst employed on the extent of the modification and on the mechanical properties of the ensuing composites, after hot pressing, showed that both the Brønsted and the Lewis base gave satisfactory results, without any marked difference. (AU)