Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
M.Sc, Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I. R. Iran
2
Assistant Professor,Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I. R. Iran
3
Professor, Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I. R. Iran; and Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of TropicalForestry & Forest Products (INTROP), UniversityPutra Malaysia(UPM)
4
Associate Professor,Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I. R. Iran
Abstract
Cellulose, which is the most abundant natural polymer on the earth, has wide variety of applications due to unique physical and mechanical properties. The native crystalline structure of cellulose (cellulose I) is considered to be one of the major factors limiting its potential in terms of cost-competitive variety production. Here the effect of ionic liquid treatment on the cellulose crystalline structure was studied. Two imidazole-based ionic liquids, 1- butyl -3 - methyl -1 - Imidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) and 1, 3 - methyl imidazolium dimethyl sulfate ([BMIM] [MeSO4]), were used to dissolve cellulose. The overall evaluation indicates the inability of ([BMIM] [MeSO4]) in dissolution of cellulose whereas BMIMCl was capable in cellulose dissolution. This was also confirmed by 13CNMR spectrum. Original cellulose crystalline structure was deformed to Cellulose II and the crystallinity rate was decreased during dissolution and regeneration. Also, crystallinity percent, nano crystal thickness and hydrogen bond energy were decreased after dissolution. Moreover, results showed that the crystallinity and crystal thickness were increased through gradual cooling method regeneration compared to immediate cooling method.
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