THE EFFECTS OF H2SO4 CATALYST RATIOS IN PRODUCTION PROCESS ON CELLULOSE ACETATE PROPERTIES

The aim of this study was to determine changes in cellulose acetate properties according to H2SO4 catalyst ratios. Cellulose acetate production was carried out at a concentration of 1, 2.5, 5 and 10% H2SO4 at 20 degrees C with traditional acetic acid method. Cellulose acetate samples were investigated FT_IR spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction method and Differential Scanning Calorimeter methods. Free acidity of cellulose acetate was 12.06% for 1% H2SO4 catalyst and 10.55% for 10% H2SO4 catalyst ratio in process, respectively. Degree of substitution of cellulose acetate was found higher for 10% H2SO4 catalyst than those of the other catalyst ratios. The glass-transition temperature (Tg) and the decomposition temperature (Td) for 1% H2SO4 catalyst in cellulose acetate production were determined 183.5 degrees C and 329.2 degrees C, respectively.