Characterization and acetylation behavior of bamboo pulp

In the present study, the chemical–physical properties of bamboo pulp prepared with a sequential totally chlorine-free procedure were analyzed and compared with that of commercial wood pulp by SEM, FTIR, TGA, and X-ray. α-Cellulose content was determined to be 95%, a little less than that of commercial wood pulp. But the crystallinity of bamboo pulp is lower than wood pulp. Acetylation activity of bamboo pulp was determined to be higher than that of wood pulp, which was carried out in heterogeneous media with sulfuric acid as catalyst. The cellulose acetate prepared with bamboo pulp can be quickly dissolved in acetone without distinct difference with that of cellulose acetate prepared with wood pulp. The results indicate the potential utility of bamboo as an alternative to wood pulp for cellulose derivate fiber material.