Synthesis and characterization of cationically modified nanocrystalline cellulose

In this study, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) resulting from sulfuric acid hydrolysis of wood cellulose fiber, was rendered cationic by grafting with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC). An optimization of the reaction parameters, such as water content, reactant mole ratio, and reaction media was performed. The presence of cationic GTMAC on the surface of NCC was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The cationically modified NCC was characterized by surface charge density, degree of substitution, ζ potential, and particle size. It was found that the cationic surface charge density of NCC can be increased by controlling the water content of the reaction system. Surface cationization of NCC led to an increase in the surface charge density over the un-modified NCC. The cationically modified NCC was well dispersed and stable in aqueous media due to enhanced cationic surface charge density. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed the improvement in state of dispersion of cationically modified NCC over the un-modified NCC. The optimum water content was found to be 36 wt% for aqueous based media and 0.5 water to DMSO volume ratio for aqueous-organic solvent reaction media. The increased surface charge density of NCC also delayed the onset of gelation in aqueous system.