Abstract:

The hydrophobisation of cellulose can be achieved by the treatment of wood fibers with aluminum sulfate and sodium salts of fatty acids. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of various factors on the resultant hydrophobicity. The investigated variables were fatty acid chemistry and reaction conditions. The hydrophobic property was assessed indirectly by quantifying the wettability of cellulosic material (contact angle) and water retention value (WRV).