Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose to Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP) Over SO42-/ZrO2 Solid Acid Catalyst

The solid super acid catalyst $SO{_4}^{2-}$/$ZrO_2$ was prepared by impregnation method using $ZrO_2$ as the catalyst support. Catalyst forming was taken into consideration in order to separate catalyst from the mixture of cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). $Al_2O_3$ and sesbania gum powder were selected as binding agent and auxiliary agent respectively. The catalytic properties were evaluated through esterification of cellulose with acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride and characterized by XRD, FTIR and $NH_3$-TPD. In this paper, the effects of concentration of $H_2SO_4$ impregnated, calcination temperature, esterification temperature and esterification time on the yield, acyl content and viscosity of CAP were investigated. The results showed that $SO{_4}^{2-}/ZrO_2$ successfully catalyzed CAP synthesis over catalysts impregnated in 0.75 mol/L $H_2SO_4$ and calcined at $500^{\circ}C$. The yield, acetyl content and propionyl content of CAP reached the maximum value of 105.3%, 29.9% and 25.8% reacted at $50^{\circ}C$ for 8 h.