Accelerated and Natural Aging of Cellulose-Based Paper: Py-GC/MS Method

Samples of papers artificially (2 to 60 days) and naturally (10, 45, and 56 years) aged were studied by the Py-GC/MS method to identify decomposition products. Possible reaction scenarios for cellulose degradation were developed. One of the degradation products is acetic acid, which can (auto)catalyze the cleavage of cellulose beta(1 -> 4)-glycosidic bonds of cellulose polymer chains. However, during 20 s of Py-GC/MS analysis, temperatures of up to 300 degrees C did not significantly increase or modify the formation of decomposition products of paper components. At 300 degrees C, the amount of several cellulose decomposition products increased regularly depending on the number of days of artificial aging and natural aging, demonstrated mainly by the generation of 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and levoglucosan and its consecutive dehydration products. No correlation between the amount of lignin decomposition products and the time of aging was found when the pyrolysis was performed at 300 degrees C and 500 degrees C. Compounds present in the products of decomposition at 500 degrees C bear the imprint of the chemical composition of the sampled paper. Pyrograms taken at 300 degrees C using the Py-GC/MS method can give additional information on the changes in the chemical structure of paper during natural or artificial aging, mainly about the cleavage of beta(1 -> 4)-glycosidic bonds during aging.

Automated summary

Samples of artificially and naturally aged papers were studied to identify decomposition products. Acetic acid was found to catalyze the degradation of cellulose. The amount of cellulose decomposition products increased with aging time, mainly consisting of furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, levoglucosan, and its dehydration products. However, there was no correlation between the amount of lignin decomposition products and aging time at different temperatures.