Quantification of water in different states of interaction with wood pulp fibres

The state of water in wet pulps was studied over a wide moisture range, reflecting the conditions on the paper machine from the press section to the reel. Two methods were used: water retention value (WRV) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). To increase the measuring accuracy, a modification to the WRV procedure was introduced. The results were directly compared by plotting the values over the observed moisture range. Different types of water were defined from DSC data: free water, freezing bound and non-freezing bound water. The water types were plotted in water distribution charts against the solids content. These charts were compared with the WRV data. For all pulps, the three water fractions were found to be interdependent while the free water removal rate decreased. Water removal did not take place as an independent water fraction removal sequence. The presence of fines and pulp recycling were found to influence the amount of freezing bound water, but not non-freezing bound water. The results showed an irreversible decrease in WRV (hornification) for all investigated pulps in the range of 20–75% solids content. This pattern corresponded to the relative amount of free water present. Freezing bound water disappeared at a solids content of over 80–85%. With the absence of free water, no further hornification occurred. It was concluded that the WRV appears to be reduced by a closure of large voids by adhesion of the cellulosic pore walls. The softening effect of water is required to cause wet hornification of the structure.     

Pre-irradiation grafting of cellulose and slightly carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) fibres

Acrylamide, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate vinyl monomers were grafted onto cellulose as well as onto cellulose of improved accessibility (slightly carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC)) by the pre-irradiation grafting technique. The effect of dose, monomer structure, crosslinking agent and carboxymethylation on the grafting yield was studied and the optimal conditions for the grafting were established. Grafting, with the exception of acrylamide (AAm), decreased the swelling of the samples, which is advantageous for some applications. In case of AAm decrease in swelling was observed only when crosslinking agent was applied. At low doses (<5 kGy) the high accessibility of carboxymethylated cellulose resulted in a higher grafting yield.     

Swelling behaviour of succinylated fibers

The swelling behaviour of cellulosic fibers bearing various amounts of carboxylic groups introduced by succinylation was studied as a function of pH. Upon an increase of pH, the perimeter of the succinylated fibers expanded as measured with the Wilhelmy plate technique. The fibers pass two pH regimes of increased expansion, pH = 5 and pH = 9. These pH levels correlate with the conductometric titration, which reveals two inflection points in both the pH and conductivity values for the succinylated fibers. Determinations of fiber saturation points (FSP) confirm that the cell wall is largely affected by increased pH. Analysis of the fibers with ESEM (Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope) showed that bundles of fibrils were released from the surface of the succinylated fibers at higher pH. Wilhelmy measurements also showed that the surface roughness was more than doubled in fibers succinylated for 12 h as pH rose from 3.2 to 10. These results indicate that, as the charge of the fibers is increased, the swelling forces reach such levels of magnitude that they overcome the structural network forces holding the fiber wall together. The methodology applied can hence be used to quantify the fundamental gel properties of the fiber wall.     

Preparation and Properties of Novel Slow-release PK Agrochemical Formulations Based on Carboxymethylcellulose-Graft-Poly(acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid) Superabsorbents

To improve the utilization of fertilizer and water resources at the same time, a new slow-release PK compound fertilizer (SRCF) with the function of water retention was prepared. Element analysis results showed that the product contained 20.46% potassium (shown by K₂O) and 15.45% phosphorus (shown by P₂O₅), which were trapped in the matrix of carboxymethylcellulose-graft-poly(acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid) superabsorbent polymer. Major factors affecting the water absorbency of SRCF such as weight ratio of itaconic acid (IA) to acrylic acid (AA), contents of crosslinker, K₂HPO₄, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were investigated and optimized. The water absorbency of the product was 130 times its own weight if it was allowed to swell in tap water at room temperature for 1 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric/Differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) confirmed that AA and IA monomers were graft-copolymerized onto CMC backbone and presented the improved thermal stability. The water evaporation of the fertilizer-containing superabsorbents, as well as their nutrients release in sandy soil was carried out, and a possible slow-release mechanism was proposed. Additionally, compressive modulus measurements revealed that the introduction of CMC could improve the mechanical properties of the superabsorbents. These studies showed that the product with good slow-release and water retention properties, being economical and environment-friendly, could be expected to have wide potential applications in modern agriculture and horticulture.     

CMC/PNIPAAm半互穿网络水凝胶的溶胀动力学研究

以羧甲基纤维素钠(CMC)和N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAAm)为原料,制备了具有温度和pH敏感性的半互穿网络(CMC／PNIPAAmsemi-IPN)水凝胶,并研究了水凝胶在不同温度和pH值条件下的溶胀行为。结果表明：在弱碱性(pH-7．4)条件下,凝胶的溶胀速率和溶胀度都随着凝胶中CMC含量的增加而增大;而在酸性(pH-1．O)条件下则相反。在弱碱性条件下,水分子在凝胶中的扩散行为都可用non-Fickian扩散来描述,水分子在凝胶中的扩散系数D随着凝胶溶胀速率的增大而增大;在酸性条件下,20℃时凝胶的溶胀过程符合non-Fickian扩散规律,而37℃时凝胶的溶胀过程符合Fickian扩散规律,但水分子的扩散系数D相差不大。     

Swelling of compressed cellulose fiber webs in organic liquids

Maximum liquid-holding capacities of various compressed fibers in water and in a series of various organic liquids have been investigated. The maximum liquid-holding capacity versus bulk density relationships gave polynomial curves, generally with a peak. Good relative correlations for cellulose, compressed fiber pellets and wood were found for the series of liquids tested. In general, liquids that swelled wood to a low to medium range (up to 6%) did not swell appreciably -cellulose and sulfite pulp, while good to excellent wood-swelling agents swelled all the fibers very significantly. It was also found that the hydrogen-bonding parameter of the swelling liquid was the most important factor. The swelling rate of various compressed fiber systems in organic liquids was dramatically increased by raising the temperature. Activation energies and molar volume of the swelling liquid were linearly correlated.     

Topochemical modification of cotton fibres with carboxymethyl cellulose

Adsorption of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a method to introduce charged (ionizable) groups onto cellulose cotton fibre surfaces was investigated. The method was based on application of a previously published method used for wood fibres. The amount of adsorbed ionizable groups was determined indirectly by analysis of CMC in solution by the phenol–sulphuric acid method and directly by conductometric titration of the fibres. Results from the two methods correlated well. The molecular weight and purity of the CMC had an influence on its adsorption onto cotton; high molecular weight CMC was preferentially adsorbed. The adsorbed charge correlated linearly with the amount of CMC adsorbed. The total charge of the cotton fibres could be increased by more than 50% by adsorption of CMC. It is expected that this modification procedure can be used in a wide spectrum of practical applications. Lidija Fras Zemljič and Karin Stana-Kleinschek are the members of the European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence (EPNOE).     

Carboxyl groups in pre-treated regenerated cellulose fibres

The influence of peroxide bleaching and slack-mercerization on the amount of acidic groups in regenerated fibres (viscose, modal and lyocell) were studied. Conductometric titration was used to determine the total content of acidic carboxylic groups. Polyelectrolyte titration was used for surface and total charge determination, and to obtain information about the charge distribution and accessibilities of charged groups. Changes in fibre crystallinity to pre-treatment processes were characterized using iodine sorption (Schwertassek method) and correlated to treatments and the amount of carboxylic groups. For all three types of fibres the amount of accessible carboxyl groups was lowered by an increase in the degree of crystallinity. Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide causes some oxidative cellulose damage and, therefore, a larger amount of carboxyl groups (presumably formed at the end of cellulose chains). Slack-mercerization did not significantly change the total amount of acidic groups in the fibres, but their accessibility to cationic polyelectrolytes, in particular to polymers with high molecular weight was substantially lowered. Lidija Fras Zemljič, Zdenka Peršin, and Karin Stana Kleinschek are the members of the European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence (EPNOE).     

Comparison of the properties of chemical cellulose pulps

The literature related to differences between chemical cellulose pulps produced by different pulping processes has been reviewed. Kraft pulps tend to be stronger, particularly in tear strength, while sulfite pulps hydrate and beat more readily. Organosolv pulps tend to mirror the properties of sulfite more than those of kraft pulps. A number of theories have been offered to explain the different properties of the chemical pulps; however, none has been universally accepted. It may be that acidic processes develop weak points in the fibers which are magnified in tear strength losses since, at a constant tensile strength, a 10% loss in fiber strength can lead to a 25–30% loss in tear strength. The effects of acidic pulping may also be magnified in greater fiber breakage and damage in the subsequent refining stages. However, strength improvements for inferior pulps can be realized through post-chemical treatments. Caustic treatments appear to give the greatest improvements, presumably due to increases in acidic group content which results in enhanced swelling properties, and possible subtle reorientation of cell wall polymers. The strength of hornified, recycled fibers can also be enhanced with such treatments, although simple beating will restore considerable strength, but at the expense of drainage rates. It is clear that the processes are complex and involve both the chemistry and physics of the fibers and how these attributes combine to affect the subsequent beating of the fibers for bonding and strength development.     

Reinforcing effect of carboxymethylated nanofibrillated cellulose powder on hydroxypropyl cellulose

Bionanocomposites of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) were prepared by solution casting. The various NFC were in form of powders and were prepared from refined, bleached beech pulp (RBP) by mechanical disintegration, optionally combined with a pre- or post mechanical carboxymethylation. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests were performed to compare the reinforcing effects of the NFC powders to those of their never-dried analogues. For unmodified NFC powders an inferior reinforcing potential in HPC was observed that was ascribed to severe hornification and reagglomeration of NFC. In contrast, the composites with carboxymethylated NFC showed similar behaviors, regardless of the NFC suspensions being dried or not prior to composite preparation. SEM characterization confirmed a homogeneous dispersion of dried, carboxymethylated NFC within the HPC matrix. These results clearly demonstrate that drying of carboxymethylated NFC to a powder does not decrease its reinforcing potential in (bio)nanocomposites.     

Swelling and dissolution of cellulose, Part V: cellulose derivatives fibres in aqueous systems and ionic liquids

The swelling and dissolution mechanisms of several cellulose derivatives (nitrocellulose, cyanoethylcellulose and xanthate fibres) are studied in aqueous systems (N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide—water with various contents of water, hydroxide sodium—water) and in ionic liquids. The results are compared with the five modes describing the swelling and dissolution mechanisms of cotton and wood cellulose fibres. The mechanisms observed for the cellulose derivatives are similar to the ones of cotton and wood fibres. Swelling by ballooning is also seen with cellulose derivatives, showing that this phenomenon is linked to the fibre morphology, which can be kept after undergoing a heterogeneous derivatisation. Patrick Navard and Thomas Heinze—Members of the European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence (EPNOE),     

粉煤灰复合聚丙烯酸钠凝胶的制备及其溶胀性能

粉煤灰(CFA)存在的情况下,采用自由基溶液聚合法,以过硫酸钾(KPS)为引发剂,N,N'-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺(NNMBA)为交联剂,制备了粉煤灰复合聚丙烯酸钠凝胶(CFAPAANa)。 以丙烯酸单体质量为基准,当交联剂用量为0.08%,引发剂用量为0.4%,粉煤灰用量为3%,丙烯酸中和度为70%,聚合温度为70 ℃时,所合成的粉煤灰复合聚丙烯酸钠凝胶在蒸馏水和生理盐水中平衡溶胀比最高,分别为1556(g/g)和168(g/g)。 考察了复合凝胶在不同介质溶液中的溶胀动力学,保水性能以及在土壤中的降解行为。 溶胀动力学研究表明,蒸馏水中溶胀初期复合凝胶聚合物链段的扩散运动能够调控凝胶溶胀的快慢及程度,而生理盐水中水分子的平移和对流运动在凝胶的溶胀过程中起着关键性作用。 保水和降解实验结果表明,25 ℃时,50 h凝胶保水率为64%,土壤中50 d时降解率达60%。 相比于聚丙烯酸钠凝胶,粉煤灰复合凝胶保水率提高了8%。     

Swelling and dissolution of cellulose,Part III: plant fibres in aqueous systems

Raw and refined flax, hemp, abaca, sisal, jute and ramie fibres are dipped into N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO)–water with various contents of water and into hydroxide sodium (NaOH)–water. The swelling and dissolution mechanisms of these plant fibres are similar to those observed for cotton and wood fibres. Disintegration into rod-like fragments, ballooning followed or not by dissolution and homogeneous swelling are all observed as for wood and cotton fibres, depending on the quality of the solvent. Balloons are not typical of wood and cotton and they seem to be present in all plant fibres. Another interesting result is that the helical feature seen on the balloon membrane is not related to the microfibrillar angle. Plant fibres are easier to dissolve than wood and cotton. This is not related to the molar mass of the cellulose chain. Raw plant fibres keeping most its non-cellulosic components do not show the formation of balloons. Patrick Navard is a Member of the European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence (EPNOE)     

两步种子溶胀聚合研究进展*

由两步种子溶胀聚合法制备的聚合物微球尺寸均一可控,制备的多孔微球孔径、孔分布可控,被广泛应用于色谱柱填料、离子交换树脂、生物分离和催化剂载体等领域。本文介绍了两步种子溶胀聚合的聚合工艺;阐述了两步种子溶胀聚合的溶胀机理以及用该法制备多孔微球的致孔机理;进一步分析了影响两步种子溶胀聚合的各种因素：包括聚合过程的控制以及聚合配方的控制因素等;简要综述了通过该方法所制备的多孔聚合物微球,并对两步种子溶胀聚合方法今后的发展进行了展望。     

Analysis of the oxidation of cellulose fibres by titration and XPS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective oxidation on the surface properties of cotton cellulose fibres. Four different methods to evaluate the accessibility, nature and content of ionisable acidic groups (charge) in the fibres were applied: potentiometric and conductometric titrations, polyelectrolyte adsorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results from this combination of methods show that two processes take place when the oxidation method is applied: elimination of low molecular mass non-cellulosic compounds and formation of new acidic groups in the cellulose chains. Which of these processes is predominating depends on oxidation time, but the first one is initially more important. Polyelectrolyte adsorption and XPS show that the surface concentration of acidic groups is considerably lower than the bulk concentration, i.e. during oxidation the content of carboxyl groups in the surface region decreases, while it increases in amorphous regions. The decrease is due to the dissolution of low molecular weight compounds; the increase is due to the formation of new acidic groups. The use of titration methods in combination with XPS appears to be a very useful tool for identification of the formation and distribution of ionic groups in cotton fibres and their surfaces.     

高吸水树脂的溶胀动力学

基于扩散-松弛模型,分别研究了树脂粒度和溶液浓度对高吸水树脂溶胀行为的影响。实验结果表明:水分子的扩散和树脂大分子链段的松弛对树脂的溶胀均有贡献,但两者贡献大小与树脂粒度和溶液浓度有关。     

Swelling Behavior of N-t-butylacrylamide Copolymer and Terpolymers

Copolymers and terpolymers of N-t-butylacrylamide (TBA) with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and N-hydroxy methyl acrylamide (NHMAAM) were prepared by solution polymerization in a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of methanol and water at 50 °C keeping the TBA content in the feed constant at 60% based on mole ratio. The contents of AMPS or NHMAAM used for the preparation of TBA-AMPS and TBA-NHMAAM copolymers were 40 mole %. Molar percentages of AMPS and NHMAAM monomers in the feed for the preparation of TBA-AMPS-NHMAAM terpolymers were varied as 10:30, 20:20, and 30:10, respectively. The effects of temperature, AMPS and crosslinker contents, and the drying of swollen gels on the swelling behavior of ionic and non-ionic TBA gels were investigated in distilled water between 10–50 °C and in buffer solutions having various pHs (1.9, 3.1, 5.6, 7.1, and 9.8) with constant ionic strength of 0.08 M at 20 °C using both the dry and the swollen forms of gels. The chemical structures and microscopic morphologies of the polymers were investigated by FTIR and SEM, respectively.     

Swelling Behavior of Chemically Ion-Doped Hydrogels

Summary: Poly(acrylamide-co-N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide) gels were synthesized in the presence of pyranine fluoroprobe (trisodium 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate). Pyranine binds to polymer chains through its OH group via radical addition. Thus, the final gels were doped with the pyranines having SO ions as side groups and Na⁺ as counter-ions. The swelling behavior of gels prepared with varying amounts of pyranine and monomer concentrations were studied. The swelling ratio of the synthesized gels did not exceed 35 except the 2 M gel containing 10⁻² M pyranine which are the concentrations for the abnormal swelling behavior. At this particular concentration of monomer (acrylamide) and pyranine, the mass ratio m/m₀, the mass of the swollen gel to the mass of the dried gel, reaches about 1300; a stepwise behavior was observed in the swelling kinetics. The swelling kinetics of polyacrylamide gels containing unbound (free) pyranine were compared with the swelling behavior of the gels containing chemically bound pyranine.     

Swelling equilibrium and sorption kinetics of urethane-modified bismaleimides elastomer

The swelling equilibrium and diffusion kinetics in various solvents of the maleimide-terminated polyurethanes (UBMIs) and of the triol and tetraol-crosslinked polyurethanes (PU) were studied. The polymer volume fraction of the UBMIs at swelling equilibrium is much higher than that of the tetraol-crosslinked PU networks for the same type of polyol used in the PU. It was explained by the high functionality of the UBMIs produced in the network structure. Furthermore, the molecular weight between crosslinks (M_c) has been calculated from the swelling model and the results exhibit good agreement with the proposed network structure. The early time sorption kinetic data were obtained to investigate the diffusion mechanism of the solvent in the networks. The solubility, diffusion coefficients, and permeability of the solvent in UBMI networks were found to be lower than in the multiol-crosslinked PU networks. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35: 1747–1755, 1997