Thermal degradation of cellulose model compounds in inert atmosphere

Thermal degradation of cellulose model compounds was studied using thermogravimetry (TG), electric spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GS–MS). The molecular weight of samples did not influence the activation energy of gasification. In the case of catalytic influence of NaOH on cellulose thermolysis formation of gaseous products in the temperature range 250–350°C increased and a greater amount of residue was formed at 350–400°C compared to noncatalytic thermolysis. Residues of compounds with hemiacetal groups showed higher concentration of unpaired electrons than residues obtained from models with the blocked hemiacetal group.