Interface behavior of quaternized chitosan on cellulosic substrates

Quaternized chitosan (QCS) was prepared and its interface behavior on cellulosic substrates was investigated. FT-IR result indicated that quaternary ammonium groups were connected to -NH2 in chitosan, and the highest degree of substitution (DS) of QCS was 80.0 %. The adsorption behavior of QCS was well performed on cellulosic substrates. The initial critical concentrations of QCS were between 10 mg/l and 20 mg/l, which were related to its DS and the weight average molecular weight (Mw): the critical concentration decreased with the increasing DS of QCS, and the concentration increased when Mw increased. The results from SEM and particle size revealed that the flocculation took place mainly because the electrostatic interaction between cellulosic substrates and QCS, which can be accelerated by forming a charge patch. At last, QCS displayed high efficiency as a retention and drainage-aid agent through a Schopper-Riegler beating degrees tester.