Reactivity of Microcrystalline Cellulose with Methyltrimethoxysilane and 3-(2-Aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilanes

In the presented research, two trialkoxysilanes were used to investigate their reactivity with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) applied as a model material. As a continuation of the previous study, the research aimed at evaluation of the durability and potential reversibility of the silane treatment. Two different solvents and a mixture thereof were used for cellulose modification. The influence of amino group/pH, an excess of silanes and re-soaking with water on binding with cellulose was examined. The results obtained confirm that both selected silanes can effectively modify MCC. However, the treatment with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane occurred more effective than with Methyltrimethoxysilane due to the presence of amino groups. Among the three tested solvents, the most effective was pure water. In contrast, the use of ethanol and a mixture of ethanol and water gave significantly worse results. Summarising, the presented research clearly shows how important the type of the functional group in alkoxysilanes is for its chemical reactivity with natural polymers, which is crucial for their application in waterlogged wood conservation.