Simple citric acid-catalyzed surface esterification of cellulose nanocrystals

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 157; pp. 1358 - 1364
• Main Authors: Ávila Ramírez, Jhon Alejandro, Fortunati, Elena, Kenny, José María, Torre, Luigi, Foresti, María Laura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 10.02.2017
• Subjects: Cellulose nanocrystals; Chemical modification; Citric acid; Surface acetylation; Chemical modification; Surface acetylation; Cellulose nanocrystals; Citric acid
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.11.008

•A simple straightforward route for the esterification of CNC is proposed.•Citric acid is used as catalyst.•Esterification reaction is restricted to CNC surface.•Reaction allows much better dispersibility of derivatized CNC in non polar medium. A simple straightforward route for the surface esterification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is herein proposed. CNC obtained from microcrystalline cellulose were acetylated using as catalyst citric acid, a α-hydroxy acid present in citrus fruits and industrially produced by certain molds in sucrose or glucose-containing medium. No additional solvent was added to the system; instead, the acylant (acetic anhydride) was used in sufficient excess to allow CNC dispersion and proper suspension agitation. By tuning the catalyst load, CNC with two different degree of substitution (i.e. DS=0.18 and 0.34) were obtained. Acetylated cellulose nanocrystals were characterized in terms of chemical structure, crystallinity, morphology, thermal decomposition and dispersion in a non-polar solvent. Results illustrated for the first time the suitability of the protocol proposed for the simple surface acetylation of cellulose nanocrystals.