Production and characterization of cellulose acetate membranes using glycerol as plasticizer

In this work we study the properties of commercial cellulose acetate (CA) membranes constructed after dissolution and reconstruction by casting in two different solvents. The first one using acetone, and the other an acetone / water mixture (8:2 / v:v). Glycerol was added as a plasticizer at concentrations of 0.0; 2.5; 5.0; 10.0; 15.0 and 20.0% (m / m). Glycerol was chosen for its physical and chemical compatibility to AC, biocompatibility, atoxicity, biodegradability, and abundance due to being a by-product of the biodiesel industry. The properties analyzed were the morphological (SEM), structural (XRD), hydrophilicity (contact angle and water vapor permeability), and thermomechanical properties (DSC, TGA and DMA). The results show important changes in membrane properties both due to the composition of the solvent and the content of the plasticizer used, which make such membranes useful in various applications, such as in films and food packaging and in barriers for periodontal reconstitutions. (author)