Synthesis and Characterization of Methylcellulose Produced from Bacterial Cellulose under Heterogeneous Condition

Rafael L Oliveira,Rosana M N Assunção,Guimes Rodrigues Filho,Júlia G Vieira,Hernane S Barud,Sidney J L Ribeiro,Younes Messadeqq

doi:10.5935/0103-5053.20150163

Abstract

In this work, methylcellulose (MC) was produced from bacterial cellulose (BC), using dimethyl sulfate in a 3 h (MC3h) or 5 h (MC5h) reaction under heterogeneous conditions, with reagent substitution at each hour. MC3h showed a degree of substitution (DS) of 2.26 ± 0.13 and MC5h showed a DS of 2.33 ± 0.05. The two samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), 13C nuclear magnetic ressonance (NMR) and 1H NMR techniques. The FTIR spectra of the BC and MC samples present significant differences in the regions from 3750 to 2750 cm−1 and from 1500 to 750 cm−1, which evidence the methylation of the samples. Solid state NMR spectroscopy of the MC samples was used to identify the 13C NMR signals of substitution at sites C-2, C-3 or C-6 in the glucopyranose units. The modification of bacterial cellulose produced a material with a high DS, determined by three different techniques (chemically and using the liquid 1H and solid 13C NMR spectra). These samples also demonstrate high crystallinity and thermal stability. With the MC samples synthesized in this work, transparent and resistant films were prepared and also a highly porous sponge like material.

Highlights

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer obtained from the bacterium Gluconacetobacter xylinus
We performed in our laboratory preliminary studies of the MC synthesis using a bacterial cellulose (BC) with a high degree of polymerization (DP) [DP greater than 2900 anhydrous glucose units (AGU)], as a source of cellulose
The modification of bacterial cellulose was evidenced by all the techniques employed and the results indicate the production of a cellulose derivative with a high degree of substitution, according to the spectra profile, and almost the same value DS in the methylated sample after 3 and 5 h reaction time

Summary

Introduction

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer obtained from the bacterium Gluconacetobacter xylinus. The main difference between MC and BC samples is the decrease in the intensity and change in the profile observed for the 3400 cm−1 band attributed to stretching of the O−H bond (hydroxyl groups) of cellulose, due to partial substitution of hydrogen groups during the methylation reaction.

Results

Conclusion