Synthesis and Characterization of a New Cellulose Acetate-Propionate Gel: Crosslinking Density Determination

Crosslinking is one of the most commonly reactions used to improve the physical properties of cellulose derivatives. Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP) is a commercial ester obtained as a cellulose derivative and it can be used as basis for the synthesis of crosslinked chains as described in this work. Typical used crosslinkers are di-functional compounds, such as dianhydrides or diisocyanate. The formation of polymeric 3D structures as described in this work occurs typically by the reaction of the linear chains bearing free OH groups with crosslinking agents such as dianhydrides. These reactions are used to make a very absorbent material, typically a gel. The syntheses were performed in homogeneous medium with acetate propionate in a very dry atmosphere by employing PMDA (Pyromellitic Dianhydride) and BTDA (3,3’, 4,4’ Benzophenone Tetracarboxylated Dianhydride) as crosslinking agents in a reflux system. TGA analysis has shown the different thermal stability of the gels when compared with CAP. Typical TGA curves have demonstrated the lower stability of the crosslinked chains when compared to CAP as consequence of esther linkages formed in the gels structures. The Mc, which is the value for the molar mass between crosslinkings points in 3D structure, was determined according to Flory-Rehner theory. This important parameter has demonstrated greater reactivity of PMDA in comparison with the BTDA in the reactions conditions’ employed in this work.