Continuous process of cellulose dissolution and transesterification reaction catalysed by ionic liquid in twin screw extruder?

Reaction Chemistry & Engineering Pub Date: 2023-03-23 DOI: 10.1039/D2RE00537A

Abstract

More energy efficient and greener processes are needed today in chemical engineering. Reactive extrusion is an example of a new innovation targeting cleaner and more sustainable processes. In this work, we first examined the solubility of microcrystalline cellulose of two concentrations (10, 20 wt%) in a mixture of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc)/DMSO using a twin screw extruder. Also, a new method of measuring residence time distribution inside the extruder was developed and discussed. EmimOAc/DMSO mixture was recovered and reused. Next, transesterification of cellulose using a long-chain acyl groups donor (vinyl laurate) was performed. The products of high degree of substitution (2.48–2.67) combined with great reaction efficiency (>80%) of the process as well as low E-factor (3.5) can be obtained in a continuous way using the co-rotating twin screw extruder. Finally, the effect of cellulose concentration on crystalline structure and mechanical properties of cellulose laurate films was evaluated.

Graphical abstract: Continuous process of cellulose dissolution and transesterification reaction catalysed by ionic liquid in twin screw extruder
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