Inverse gas chromatography investigation of the surface properties of cellulose

Cellulose samples differing in origin and crystallinity were examined by inverse gas chromatography (IGC). Surface energy characteristics such as the apparent dispersive component of the surface energy and acid-base properties, and also nanomorphology indices of the different cellulose samples, were assessed. The influence of humidity on these properties was demonstrated. A decrease of 10-20% of the interaction potential was detected. Crystalline cellulose is the most sensitive to the presence of adsorbed water, which possibly disorders its surface structure. IGC appears to be an appropriate method for the evaluation of the surface characteristics of cellulose. However, care has to be taken when trying to understand differences in surface properties between various cellulose samples, since IGC is very sensitive to minor variations in surface characteristics.