Preparation of nanocellulose by using 4-acetamido-TEMPO oxidizing system and ultrasonic treatment

Nanocellulose was prepared from cotton pulp by 4-acetamido-TEMPO-NaClO-NaBr oxidizing system with ultrasonic treatment. The carboxy content and DPv of unoxidized and oxidized cotton fibers were determined. The properties of oxidized cellulose were characterized by optical microscope and Infrared Spectrum (IR). The properties of oxidized cellulose with ultrasonic treatment were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Nanoparticle Size Analyzer. Results showed that the DPv of cotton fiber decreased significantly during the oxidizing reaction, the nanocellulose with the width of approximately 80 nm and the length of approximately 400 nm could be prepared by using the means of oxidizing reaction and ultrasonic treatment, the carboxy content of nanocellulose could be up to 0.58 mmol/g.