Altered Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Spruce Galactoglucomannan Films Modified with an Etherification Reaction
Journal article, 2020

Native hemicellulose lacks many of the properties that make fossil fuel-based polymers excellent for use in today's industrial products and processes. The mechanical and thermal properties of the hemicellulose can, however, be modified, and its processability increased. We functionalized galactoglucomannan to lower its glass transition temperature (Tg) and thereby increase its processability. The functionalization was achieved through an etherification reaction with butyl glycidyl ether used at three molar ratios. Films were produced, and their mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that increased substitution increased the degradation temperature and decreased the water content in the sample, implying increased hydrophobicity upon modification. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that butyl glycidyl ether functionalization alters the thermal properties of the modified films both in the absolute values of Tg and in the strength of the films. The etherification reaction resulted in a more ductile material than the unmodified galactoglucomannan (GGM).

Author

Linda Härdelin

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Diana Bernin

Chemical Engineering Design

Mikaela Börjesson

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Anna Ström

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Anette Larsson

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Biomacromolecules

1525-7797 (ISSN) 1526-4602 (eISSN)

Vol. 21 5 1832-1840

Subject Categories

Polymer Chemistry

Polymer Technologies

Other Materials Engineering

DOI

10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01730

PubMed

32068390

More information

Latest update

6/18/2020