Abstract
This article considers the modification of cellulose fibres with the use of vinyltrimethoxysilane and maleic anhydride as substances to improve the wettability of the additive in the hydrophobic polymer matrix. The stress is put on the possible ways of modification impact investigation and its description. Effects of the treatment are analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which reveal the presence of new moieties on the cellulose surface, e.g. C=C bonds, C=O and Si–C groups, while dynamic light scattering investigation revealed an increase in the hydrodynamic radii of the molecules which was maximized in the case of modification with the use of maleic anhydride. Furthermore, thermal properties were defined with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Some variations within the process of samples thermal degradation are observed—thermal stability of the specimen modified with maleic anhydride is the highest. The presented approach of combined fibre modification analysis techniques, being a scientific novelty, allows to confirm the treatment impact on cellulose properties at many levels.Graphical abstract
Highlights
Increasing interest in new materials from renewable resources and potentially environmental friendly methods for modifying such materials has led to increased interest in using cellulose [1]
Effects of the treatment are analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which reveal the presence of new moieties on the cellulose surface, e.g. C=C bonds, C=O and Si–C groups, while dynamic light scattering investigation revealed an increase in the hydrodynamic radii of the molecules which was maximized in the case of modification with the use of maleic anhydride
For the modification performed with the use of maleic anhydride (MA), the increased intensity of the absorption bands related to the C–O, C=O and C=C bonds was observed [30]
Summary
Increasing interest in new materials from renewable resources and potentially environmental friendly methods for modifying such materials has led to increased interest in using cellulose [1]. Due to its abundance in the environment and its quick renewability as a biodegradable raw material [2], cellulose and its modifications have become a subject of research for many scientists. Cellulose exists in the cell walls of plants and can be produced by bacteria. Cellulose is distinguished by its hydrophilicity, biodegradability and broad chemical modification capacity [3]. The high hydrophilicity of the cellulose surface defines its behaviour in different media as well as its interactions with different chemicals. Adjusting the surface properties of cellulose is of great importance for its current and future applications, such as in papermaking and composites [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
