Rheological and electron microscopic characterization of aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose gels Part I: Rheological aging of aqueous gels of carboxymethyl cellulose in the free acid form (HCMC)

Aqueous gels of carboxymethylcellulose in the free acid form (HCMC) are obtained when dialyzed sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC)-gels are treated with a strongly acidic ion exchanger. These gels age rheologically. During the aging process (maximum 60 days), thixotropy and increased viscoelasticity occur. The rheological changes are measured by shear viscosity, coefficient of thixotropy H, complex dynamic shear modulus G^*, shear storage modulusG, shear loss modulusG, and tangent of the phase angle. The aging process is caused by the formation of quasi-crystalline microaggregates of HCMC which can be detected by electron microscopy (Part II).     

Rheological properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions

In this study, we investigated the way of predicting two critical concentrations of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions using simple experimental procedures with a rotational rheometer. It was found that, above a critical shear rate, all CMC solutions (0.2 to 7 wt.%) exhibit shear-thinning behavior and the flow curves could be described by the Cross model. A first critical CMC concentration c*, transition to semidilute network solution, was determined using the following methods (1) study of the flow curve shapes, (2) Cross model parameters, (3) plot of the specific viscosity vs the overlap parameter, and (4) empirical structure–properties relationships. Furthermore, both creep and frequency-sweep measurements showed that the solutions behaved as viscoelastic materials above a second critical CMC concentration c** (transition to concentrated solution). The characterization of CMC solutions was completed with a time-dependent viscosity study that showed that the CMC solutions exhibited strong thixotropic behavior, especially at the highest CMC concentrations.     

Rheological properties of hexadecyl dimethyl amine modified carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose solutions and its gelling process

To obtain a new fracturing fluid viscosifier, hexadecyl dimethyl amine was used to modify carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (CMHEC) to obtain a product called HD-CMHEC with high viscosity. The rheological properties of HD-CMHEC solutions and CMHEC solutions were studied. For the concentration of 0.3%, the viscosity of CMHEC and HD-CMHEC solutions is, respectively, 19.0?mPa?·?s and 73.6?mPa?·?s, respectively. The viscosity of HD-CMHEC solution increases 2.8 times than before. The thixotropy and viscoelasticity of HD-CMHEC solutions become stronger. As a typical viscoelastic fluid, HD-CMHEC solutions show better rheological performance than that of CMHEC solutions. The gelling process of HD-CMHEC solutions under steady shear was studied in detail. The concentrations of HD-CMHEC solutions, shear rates, and crosslinking agent were investigated. Viscosity versus time curves during the crosslinking process were obtained. The four-parameter crosslinking rheokinetics equation can describe the gelling process of HD-CMHEC solutions under different conditions well. Study on the gelling process of HD-CMHEC solutions under steady shear contributes to the understanding of gel formation, and provides theoretical guidance for exploration and exploitation of the system.     

Rheological and electron microscopic characterization of aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose gels Part II: Visualization of the gel structure by freeze-fracturing

The spatial structure of gels of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC-gel) and carboxymethyl cellulose in the free acid form can be imaged in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The freeze-fracturing technique is suitable for this. Experiments with test preparations (10 % aqueous glycerol solution) show that cooling rates during freeze-fixing are decisive for visualization, and that cooling rates can be improved substantially by using a cryojet. The increase of the cooling rate to more than 15 000 K/s makes it possible to obtain extremely fine network structures with a mesh width of 5–25 nm and with a filament thickness of 2–3 nm. The results obtained after jet-freezing show differences in the structure of the two gels: quasi-crystalline microaggregates in the HCMC-gel can be seen, and they cause an increased elasticity and opalescence of the aged HCMC-gels.     

Rheological properties of sulfate cellulose

Rheological properties of concentrated aqueous solutions of sulfate cellulose prepared by various sulfation methods were studied. Information on the variation of structure of the concentrated solutions under action of external forces during viscous current depending on sulfate cellulose molecular parameters was obtained.     

Rheological properties of protein-surfactant based gels

Water-based protein-surfactant gels, formed by mixing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate in water, were investigated by rheological methods. The measurements were performed for many different protein-to-surfactant ratios as a function of the applied frequency, stress, or strain, as well as by changing the temperature, in the range between 15 and 65 degrees C. The rheological behavior of the gels as a function of applied frequency is interpreted in terms of the overlapping of at least two viscoelastic relaxation processes. The rheological results indicate the presence of thermal transitions from essentially viscous to mainly elastic regimes, in analogy with the thermal gelation processes observed in polymer solutions. The thermal gelation threshold in the present system is modulated by the protein/surfactant ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements were also performed to determine whether thermal gelation is somehow concomitant to protein denaturation. The results indicate that the thermal denaturation of BSA in protein-surfactant based gels occurs at slightly higher temperatures than in the bulk. Scanning electron microscopy indicates the occurrence in the gel structure of globules formed by the arrangement of fibrils.     

Rheological and rheokinetic properties of phosphazene-containing epoxy oligomers

The rheological and rheokinetic properties of a two-component binder consisting of epoxy-diane oligomers and the oligoepoxyphosphazenes PEO-1 (30 wt %) and PEO-2 (40 wt %) are studied. The viscosities of the initial oligomers at 40°C are 130 (PEO-1) and 270 (PEO-2) Pa s; the activation energies of viscous flow in the range 40–70°C are from 122 to 128 kJ/mol. The addition of equivalent amounts of curing agents, such as triethylenetetramine or iso-methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride, reduces the initial viscosity of a composition, most strongly in the presence of the second curing agent (by a factor of 50–100). The activation energies of the cure process with triethylenetetramine in the range 45–95°C are 89 (PEO-1) and 125 (PEO-2) kJ/mol, and the gelation time at 55°C is 6 min for both oligomers. The time of gelation for the system PEO–iso-methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride at 90°C is 475 min, and the glass-transition temperatures of the cured compositions are 238 (PEO-1) and 250°C (PEO-2), as evidenced by thermomechanical studies.     

Water redispersible cellulose nanofibrils adsorbed with carboxymethyl cellulose

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are difficult to redisperse in water after they have been completely dried due to the irreversible agglomeration of cellulose during drying. Here, we have developed a simple process to prepare water-redispersible dried CNFs by the adsorption of small amounts of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and oven drying. The adsorption of CMC onto CNFs in water suspensions at 22 and 121 °C was studied, and the adsorbed amount of CMC was measured via conductimetric titration. The water-redispersibility of dried CNFs adsorbed with different amounts of CMC was characterized by sedimentation test. Above a critical threshold of CMC adsorption, i.e. 2.3 wt%, the oven dried CNF–CMC sample was fully redispersible in water. The morphology, rheological, and mechanical properties of water-redispersed CNF–CMC samples were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, viscosity measurement, and tensile test, respectively. The water-redispersed CNFs preserved the original properties of never dried CNFs. This new method will facilitate the production, transportation and storage, and large-scale industrial applications of CNFs.     

Synthesis of urea-formaldehyde oligomers without a solvent

A urea-formaldehyde oligomer comparing well with commercially avaliable KF-MT and KF-M resins in the adhesive power was prepared from solid paraform and urea without a solvent.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 77, No. 9, 2004, pp. 1555–1557.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Bezbozhnaya, Zamashchikov, Lutsyk.     

Study of the properties of microcrystalline cellulose and its polycomplex with a benzimidazole drug after mechanical activation

The changes in the physicochemical properties of MCC on its being ground in an AGO-2U high-stress grinder-activator have been investigated. By the combined mechanical treatment in this activator of MCC and benzimidazol-2-yl methylcarbamate hydrochloride it is possible to achieve regulation of the solubility of the drug.Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, fax (3712) 89 14 75. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 303–305, March–April, 1995. Original article submitted November 1, 1994.     

Properties of films, solutions, and gels prepared from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose blends with synthetic polymers

An extremal dependence of the intrinsic viscosity of poly(vinyl alcohol) blends with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and polyacrylamide on composition has been established. A correlation between the viscosity properties of solutions and mechanical properties of films made of sodium carboxymethyl cellulosepoly(vinyl alcohol) blends is observed that is indicative of the interpolymer interaction in these systems. The obtained regularities can be used to produce high-modulus coordination-crosslinked gels based on these blends.     

Nanofibrillated cellulose/carboxymethyl cellulose composite with improved wet strength

In this paper, nanofibrillated cellulose/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films were prepared using tape casting. The obtained transparent films showed shear induced partial alignment of fibrils along the casting direction, resulting in birefringence in cross polarized light. The carboxyl groups of CMC could be further utilized to create ionic crosslinking by treatment with glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMA). The GTMA treated composite films had improved mechanical properties both in wet and dry state. The chemical composition and morphologies of composites were analyzed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering.     

Rheological and thermal properties of polysaccharide gels extracted fromAhnfeltia plicata

The dynamic modulus began to decrease rapidly and loss tan showed maxima at the temperature range from 40 °C to 65 °C in polysaccharide gels extracted fromAhnfeltia plicata. An exothermic peak appeared at about 30 °C in heating DSC thermograms for these gels. Endothermic DSC peaks accompanying gel-sol transition appeared at the temperature range from 60 °C to 80 °C. The effects of alkali pretreatment and of maturation on the rheological and thermal properties of these gels were examined.     

Structure and properties of biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose films containing silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles stabilized in a solution of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose with a degree of substitution of 0.85 and a degree of polymerization of 600 have been synthesized. The structuring; physical, chemical, and mechanical properties; and antimicrobial activities of films prepared from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solutions containing silver nanoparticles have been studied. The shapes, quantities, and sizes of the silver nanoparticles occurring in the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose films were determined with the use of transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV spectroscopy. It was found that an increase in the concentration of silver nitrate in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solutions, as well as photoirradiation of the films, leads to the changes in the sizes and shapes of silver nanoparticles. The shapes, sizes, and quantities of silver nanoparticles determine their biological activity. An increase in the quantity of 5- to 25-nm silver nanoparticles was found to enhance the microbicidal activities of the carboxymethyl cellulose films.     

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).     

Preparation of mixed ethers by reaction of carboxymethyl cellulose with urea and their physicochemical properties

The conditions of preparation of mixed cellulose ethers containing carboxymethyl and amide groups by reaction with urea were examined with samples of commercial carboxymethyl cellulose and that prepared from flax cellulose as examples. The water solubility of the resulting products and their sorption activity toward copper ions were examined in relation to the amount of amide groups introduced.     

Rheological properties of filled gels. Influence of filler matrix interaction

The dynamic moduli of gels filled with particles have been studied as a function of the volume fraction of dispersed particles _f (0–0.4) and of the way in which they interact with the gel matrix. Two gels of different nature were studied, viz. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) — Congo red gels (a so-called rubber gel) and casein gels made by acidification of skimmed milk. Emulsion droplets stabilized by different macromolecules have been used as dispersed particles. If there was no interaction between the macromolecules adsorbed on the particles and the gel matrix, both the filled PVA and the filled casein gels showed a small decrease in the elastic moduli with _f , approaching the behaviour theoretically predicted for foams. In the case of interaction, the results for filled PVA gels roughly fitted the theoretical predictions, if the deformability of the emulsion droplets and the formation of an intermediate layer between the dispersed particles and the gel matrix was taken into account. The increase in the elastic moduli of the acid milk gels with _f was much greater than expected and was probably due to aggregation of the dispersed particles during gelation.     

Rheological properties of poly(ethylene glycol) solutions and gels

By the interaction of a water–glycol solution of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with calcium chloride dihydrate, a gel was produced. It was determined that, below a certain shear rate, this gel is a Newtonian fluid; however, above a certain shear rate, which depends on the gel viscosity, the properties of this gel are anomalous: the gel flow instantaneously completely stops. The viscosity of the gels was found to exponentially increase with increasing concentration of the cross-linking metal at constant PEG concentration. The density of the gels linearly increases with increasing concentration of the cross-linking metal at constant PEG concentration.     

Rheological properties of cellulose nanocrystal-embedded polymer composites: a review

Nanotechnology provides useful insights into the behavioural properties of materials from the nanoscale point of view, enabling researchers to develop new materials that were previously inconceivable. Cellulose is an ideal candidate for nanomaterial for nanotechnology because of its nanofibrillar structure, abundance, renewability, biodegradability and eco-friendly nature. Nanocrystalline cellulose materials have become the focus many studies related to these materials and their applications. This review summarises the current knowledge on the field of nanomaterials, focussing mainly on the rheological behaviour of polymer nanocomposites embedded with nanocrystalline cellulose. This review will enable better understanding of the use of nanocrystalline cellulose for the development and applications of cellulose nanocrystal-based nanocomposites.