Pyrolysis-crystallinity relationships in cellulose

Abstract

During pyrolysis of pure cellulose, the Crystallinity Index (Crl) remained fairly constant over more than 50% weight loss before dropping rapidly as the X-ray pattern deteriorated. With samples first treated with trace quantities of inorganic salts, heating first increased the Crl—the results implying a preferentially catalyzed decomposition of the amorphous regions. Swelling cellulose in liquid ammonia eliminated the crystalline diffraction pattern, but heating restored a considerable degree of order. The initial weight loss rate in the swelled material was considerably accelerated and the ultimate char residue reduced. The results support the suggestion that inter-ring cross-linking leading to enhanced char formation will occur preferentially in the ordered rather than the disordered regions of natural cellulose.

Citation

Weinstein, M.; Broido, A. 1970. Pyrolysis-crystallinity relationships in cellulose. Combustion Science and Technology. 1(4): 287-292.