Utilization of olive tree branch cellulose in synthesis of hydroxypropyl carboxymethyl cellulose

This paper describes the functionalization of cellulose extracted from olive tree branches by subjecting it to successive etherification reactions, hydroxypropylation and carboxymethylation. Factors affecting the efficiency of etherification reactions like propylene oxide concentration, alkali concentration, reaction temperature and reaction duration were studied. The etherification efficiency was evaluated by analyzing the mixed cellulose ether to estimate its molar substitution and degree of substitution. Optimum conditions for hydroxypropylation reaction are to use 10% NaOH, together with 115% propylene oxide (all based on weight of cellulose), at 60 °C for 120 min. The obtained samples were characterized by estimating the molar substitution and the best value suitable for water solubility (0.39) was attained upon using the above optimum conditions. Optimum conditions for carboxymethylation of the hydroxypropylated cellulose were to use 20% (w/v) from NaOH during the alkalization step. This optimum condition gave carboxymethylated sample having degree of substitution 0.4 which is suitable for water solubility.