Properties of regenerated cellulose films plasticized with α-monoglycerides

Regenerated cellulose (RC) films were plasticized with glycerol, glycerin alpha-monobutyrate, glycerin alpha-monocaproate, glycerin alpha-monocaprylate, and glycerin alpha-monocaprate. The structure and properties of the films were investigated by using Fourier transform IR, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile tests. The experimental results showed that the addition of plasticizer enhanced the elongation at break, thermal stability, and crystallinity and lowered the tensile strength of the films. The formation of hydrogen bonds between the cellulose and plasticizers weakened the inter- and intra-hydrogen bonds among cellulose molecules, leading to reduced tensile strength. These alpha-monoglycerides have relatively good plasticizing effects. Compared with glycerol, the resistance against water washing of the synthesized compounds was significantly enhanced. With the increase of the carbochain length of the alpha-monoglycerides, the plasticizing effect decreased but the resistance against water washing was enhanced. When the RC films were immersed in a 10% glycerin alpha-monocaproate solution, the elongation at break increased to 15% and stayed at 14.8% after water washing. Glycerin alpha-monocaproate might be better for plasticizing RC films than others. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.