Specific ion effects in the adsorption of carboxymethyl cellulose on cellulose: The influence of industrially relevant divalent cations
Journal article, 2021

The adsorption of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on cellulose surfaces is of relevance from both academic and industrial perspectives as it facilitates resource-efficient modification of cellulose fibres that allows them to carry negative charges. It is known that, compared to monovalent ions, Ca2+ ions are superior ions in facilitating CMC adsorption and the subsequent introduction of charge on cellulose fibres. However, the formation and deposition of calcium oxide involved in this process necessitates the search for alternative cations. Magnesium ions form one of the more promising candidates since they are already used in the pulping process to prevent cellulose degradation during peroxide bleaching. This work aims at elucidating the effects of the industrially relevant alkaline earth metal divalent cations Mg2+ and Ca2+ on the CMC adsorption process onto cellulose surfaces. Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM-D) technology was used to follow the adsorption in model systems in real time, whereas the adsorption of CMC on commercial fibres was studied using polyelectrolyte titrations, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis and conductometric titrations. This study shows that the presence of Ca2+ ions was more favourable for the adsorption of CMC to both types of cellulosic surfaces than Mg2+ ions. The distinction in the adsorption behaviour in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ is suggested to be due to the differences in the polarizability of the ions. The findings are decisive in designing efficient industrial processes for the adsorption of polyelectrolytes to cellulose surfaces of similar charge.

Polymer adsorption

Carboxymethyl cellulose

Adsorption to cellulose surfaces

Specific ion effects

Author

Vishnu Arumughan

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Tiina Nypelö

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC)

Merima Hasani

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology

Harald Brelid

Södra Innovation

Sverker Albertsson

Södra Innovation

Lars Wagberg

Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)

Anette Larsson

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC)

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

0927-7757 (ISSN) 18734359 (eISSN)

Vol. 626 127006

Subject Categories

Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology

Materials Chemistry

Other Chemical Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127006

More information

Latest update

2/4/2022 3