Influences of chemical modifications on the mechanical strength of cellulose beads

Spherical cellulose beads having narrow particle-size distribution were prepared by the coagulation/regeneration method for small viscose droplets formed by centrifugal force in an acid bath. The influences of chemical modifications on mechanical strengths such as the hydraulic property and compressive strength were investigated, together with the effects on crystallinity, particle size and degree of swelling. Cross-linking with epichlorohydrin and substitution of hydroxyl groups in cellulose with diethylaminoethyl, carboxymethyl and cyanoethyl groups were studied. No remarkable differences were found in X-ray diffraction patterns for the cellulose beads after the chemical modification. The substitution promoted swelling of the beads and decreased the mechanical strength, probably by scission of intermolecular and/or intramolecular hydrogen bonds in cellulose. However, the cross-linking retarded the cellulose beads from swelling effectively. The beads were made significantly ha rder by the substitution, and this hardening effect competed with the softening effect of the swelling. Moreover, it was suggested that the simple compression test was useful for the prediction of the hydraulic property of the cellulose beads in the column operation. 0969--0239 © 1998 Blackie Academic & Professional