5 - Solubilization and Structural Factors Governing Solubility and the Dissolved State

Abstract

This chapter discusses the solubilization and structural factors that govern the solubility and dissolved state of cellulose. The solubilization of cellulose is done by the steam explosion method. It involves the abrupt discharge of the materials penetrated with high temperature water vapor into open air and can potentially destroy the inner and outer structure of any material and inspire desired properties into materials. It has been widely utilized in biomass conversion technology for cattle feed production, a new pulping application, and the gasification of biomass. The intramolecular hydrogen bonds break down when treated with the steam explosion method, and this has been the key to produce alkali soluble cellulose. The chapter also reviews the study of the influence of cellulose resources on the changes in morphology, the degree of polymerization, and solid structure during steam explosion method on pure cellulose application. The structural factors governing dissolution into solvents are the dissolution of natural cellulose into aq. alkali solution, the dissolution of cellulose into aq. cuprammonium solution, cellulose acetate, and carboxyethyl cellulose. At a relatively low degree of substitution, the solubility of the derivative in water or aqueous alkali is mainly governed by a considerable destruction of the intramolecular hydrogen bonds. These experimental facts support the molecular interpretation of the solubility of cellulose acetate and of cellulose in water or aq. alkali.