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Swelling and mechanical properties of cellulose hydrogels. V. Swelling in concentrated alkaline solutions

Conference · · J. Appl. Polym. Sci.: Appl. Polym. Symp.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6971419

The swelling and mechanical properties of crosslinked regenerated cellulose gels in concentrated aqueous alkaline solutions (LiOH, NaOH, and KOH) were studied. Swelling maxima were found in NaOH at 2.75 M and in LiOH at 3.25 M, but no such maximum was observed in KOH. An increase in temperature or the presence of NaCl decreased the magnitude of swelling maxima. The gels exhibited typical rubber-like properties in concentrated NaOH. The results are qualitatively discussed in terms of the theory of swelling of polyelectrolytic gels, assuming deprotonization of the cellulose hydroxyl groups occurs in concentrated alkaline solutions. The reasons for the differences in swelling behavior in LiOH, NaOH, and KOH are discussed, as well as the changes in the gel structure which lead to a reduction in the degree of swelling in water after alkaline treatment. On the basis of results relating the creep compliance to the degree of swelling in water, it is suggested that these structural changes are similar to those occurring during the drying of water-swollen cellulose. 16 references, 9 figures, 1 table.

Research Organization:
Swedish Forest Products Research Lab., Stockholm
OSTI ID:
6971419
Report Number(s):
CONF-8205234-Vol.1
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Polym. Sci.: Appl. Polym. Symp.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Polym. Sci.: Appl. Polym. Symp.; (United States); ISSN JPSSD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English