Characterization and physical properties of cellulose acetates

Abstract

An overview is provided of the basic features of cellulose acetate of various degree of substitution in the solid and liquid crystalline state as well as in solution. These features represent a necessity for an understanding of the properties of these cellulose derivatives and further for mixed esters, which are not presented in this paper. Specifically, the crystal structure of cellulose triacetate will be addressed as well as structures in dilute and semi-dilute solutions. Thermal, viscoelastic and further properties in the solid state are discussed as well as flow behavior of solutions and their application in molecular weight determination, including false viscosity of commercial 2.5 cellulose acetates.