Catalyzed Reaction of Cellulose and Lignin with Methyltrimethoxysilane-FT-IR, 13C NMR and 29Si NMR Studies

It can be found that reaction mechanisms and interactions between wood and organosilicone compounds have not been sufficiently explored. The aim of the study was to determine bonds formed between either cellulose or lignin and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) during a catalytic silanization reaction. Silanization was performed in the presence of two catalysts of a diverse mechanism of functionalization: aluminum acetylacetonate (Al(acac)₃) and acetic acid (AcOH). For this purpose, FT-IR, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR techniques were used. Cellulose silanization efficiency without a catalyst was unlikely. Lignin undergoes a silanization reaction with alkoxysilanes much easier than cellulose. The results showed new bonds between biopolymers and the silanising agent. The new bonds were confirmed by signals at the FT-IR spectra, e.g., 770 cm⁻¹ and 1270 cm⁻¹ (Si–CH₃), and at the NMR signal coming from the T¹, T² and T³ structures. Efficiency of reaction was confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) analysis.