THERMAL-BEHAVIOR OF HIGH ALPHA-CELLULOSE PULP FROM FAST GROWING PLANT-SPECIES AND ITS ACETYLATION PRODUCT

High α-cellulose pulp has been extracted from a fast growing plant material, namely Leucaena leucocephala. Acetylated products from this α-cellulose and from commercially available α-cellulose were prepared by a homogeneous acetylation procedure. The acetylated products were characterized using IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques, and their molecular weights were determined. The thermal decomposition of the α-celluloses and their acetylated products were studied using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis techniques in the range of room temperature to 600°C. Two major decomposition steps were identified, and the relative thermal stabilities of the α-celluloses and the acetylated products were assessed. The kinetic parameters for both the decomposition steps identified were estimated by four well known methods. IR spectra of the decomposed residue obtained after heating the cellulose at 200 and 450°C were also examined, to obtain an understanding of the decomposition pathway. © 1990.