Highly acetylated chestnut shell cellulose obtained by electron beam pretreatment assisted acetylation reaction: A
Li Niu1, Xiuyun Zhang1, Ruijie Li1
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
Abstract:
Green, biodegradable, and renewable cellulose is a promising candidate for developing sustainable materials. This work prepared highly acetylated cellulose via electron beam irradiation pretreatment followed by acetylation. The degree of acetylation peaked at an acetic anhydride concentration of 5.0 g/mol and an irradiation dose of 150 kGy (DS = 1.0). EBI effectively disrupted the intramolecular hydrogen bonding of cellulose, increasing the accessibility of hydroxyl groups and facilitating acetylation. The acetylation modification induced roughening of the cellulose surface and the effect was more evident with increasing irradiation dose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful introduction of acetyl groups, changing the crystalline behavior of cellulose. Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated significant enhancements in the mechanical properties of acetylated cellulose. This work provides valuable information for designing highly acetylated cellulose, offering theoretical support for its industrial production.
