We have thesis experimentation regarding extracting cellulose from sugarcane leaves, We're already doing the bleaching process and we're using sodium hypochlorite as bleaching agent and glacial acetic acid as buffer solution. Do we need to combine already the sodium hypochlorite and glacial acetic acid with the sample? or We should combine first the sample and sodium hypochlorite then add glacial acetic acid drop by drop? Also, do we need to monitor its ph? and what is the recommended ph when bleaching sample to obtain cellulose?
Hoping for a positive response. Thank you!
Do not mix those together!! You will produce chlorine gas. Hypochlorite bleaching is conducted at a pH of 11.0. It is applied in the range of 0.5-3% (W/W) and temperatures ranging from 35-80 C. If you are just extracting cellulose fibers, why not perform an atmospheric soda cook?
I am adding a slight amendment to my previous answer. If you acidify a solution of hypochlorite with acetic acid, the first product formed will be hypochlorous acid. In a reaction with fibers, this is a rapid attack on the OH groups, and so likely never has the opportunity to further break down into chlorine gas. I would caution storing this solution, and plan to make it as needed.
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