Characterization of cationic parenchyma cellulose derivative by rapid preparation of low microwave power

A rapid microwave-assisted cationic synthesis of cellulosic polymer by grafting glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC) onto parenchyma cellulose (PC) from bagasse pith under low-power condition is reported. The effects of the microwave power, exposure time, GTMAC charge, water content, and aqueous-organic solvents by volume ratio were evaluated by determining cationization parameters such as yield, degree of substitution (DS), zeta potential, and charge density. The experimental results showed that the water-soluble and -insoluble fractions of cationic parenchyma cellulose (CPC) were obtained and their optimal DS were determined to be 0.72 and 0.63 at the microwave power of 100 W for 20 min, respectively. Surface cationization of PC resulted in an increase in zeta potential and charge density over the unmodified cellulose. In comparison with the original PC, the intrinsic viscosity of the cationic products decreased significantly. The presence of GTMAC on the surface of PC was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystallinity and surface structure of original cellulose and CPCs were also analyzed through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. This work provided an efficient and economical feasibility to produce a cationic biopolymer from cellulose.