Alkyl celluloses are industrial polymers used as adhesives, protective coatings, personal care, and in agriculture. We will discuss an alternative, simplified synthesis of alkyl cellulose, using microwave irradiation and aqueous alkaline medium. No alcohol is needed during the reaction. Reaction time is less than 30 min. Conversion varies from 54 to 87%. The degree of substitution varied from 0.2 to 1.0. It was also shown that agricultural residues such as wheat straw, barley straw, and rice hull can be converted to methyl cellulose. Weight yields range from 30 to 70%. The degree of substitution (DS) varies from 0.8 to 2.8. In addition, the methyl cellulose was further converted to acetylated methyl cellulose. The production of methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose was confirmed by 13C NMR and FTIR analysis.

Conversion of agricultural by-products to methyl cellulose

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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