Hydrogels Based on Cross-Linked Cationic Cellulose Derivatives

Cationization of wood and cotton celluloses using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride in aqueous suspensions in the presence of various amounts of NaOH followed by cross-linking with epichlorohydrin was studied in detail. The compositions of the cationic cellulose ethers and the reaction efficiency depended strongly on the ratio of the alkylating mixture components. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized samples were studied using chemical analysis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray structure analysis, and centrifugation to determine water absorption. The content of cationic groups and concentration of cationic cellulose in the epichlorohydrin cross-linking stage had decisive effects on the degree of swelling in water and aqueous NaCl solution of the cross-linked cationic cotton and wood celluloses.