Cellulose, a sustainable material, exhibits excellent properties and can be converted into functional products. Here, the dissolution and transesterification (vinyl laurate) of cellulose has been successfully done in a novel protonic ionic liquid [mTBNH][OAc]. Vinyl laurate, in the presence of IL, was add-ed to the cellulose solution in various molar ratios (Anhydrous Glucose Unit:Vinly Laurate =1:1, 1:3 and 1:5), different time (2, 3, 4, and 5 hours) and temperature (25 oC, 60 oC, 80 oC, and 100 oC) conditions. Co-solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide, has also been added to decrease the overall viscosity of the solution. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy proved the successful substitution of cellulose hydroxyl groups with acyl groups with a maximum degree of substitution of 2 obtained after 4 hours long reaction. This cellulose laurate has been inspected for its tensile properties and found to be a good replacement for conventional cellulose acetate material.
Keywords: Cellulose, Sustainable material, Excellent properties
Authors
Umair Qasim
Talllinn University of Technology, 310B, Akadeemia tee 7/2, Tallinn 19086, Estonia
Heikko Kallakas
Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, Laboratory of Wood Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Jaan Kers
Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
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