Binding aspects of carboxymethyl cellulose onto polymeric surface from its aqueous solutions

Abstract

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a most versatile cellulose derivative having several industrial applications such as mineral processing, pelletisation process, oil drilling, surface modifications, functionalization of materials, and other promising utilizations. However, due to less explore insight the binding aspect of the CMC onto the polymeric surface in its aqueous medium hinders its applications. Therefore, this research work has been made to explore the binding aspects of CMC onto the polymeric surface (modified polypropylene powder (MPP)) derived from polypropylene (PP). The porosity nature of the MPP and specific surface area (S BET) =22.842 m2 g−1 was confirmed by the BET analysis. The pH and ionic strength suggest that electrostatic interaction is responsible for adsorption and confirmed by depth cauterization techniques. Furthermore, to clear the binding aspect urea test was carried out during the adsorption which added assurance that adsorption in the present case is also attributed to the presence of hydrogen bonding. The adsorption free energy of CMC was found as –22.561 kJ/mol which is a close agreement with H-bonding. All of the above results coupled with reported facts strongly support that the adsorption of CMC onto MPP surface is associated with electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. Thus, an apparent overview of the binding aspect of CMC onto polymeric surfaces can endorse CMC as a potential adsorbate for various industrial applications.