Cellulose Thermal Conversion in the Presence of Silicon-Containing Additives

Using the methods of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy and electron microscopy it has been demonstrated that on heating cellulose in the presence of SiO2 and polycarbosilane within the temperature range up to 900 degrees C the character of cellulose thermal conversion changes and the yield of carbon residue increases. In the case that polycarbosilane was added, silicon is present in the carbon material in the form of organosilicon fragments with Si-C and Si-O-C bonds, as well as in the form of silicon oxycarbide. With adding SiO2 the main portion of silicon remains in the form of oxide, the amorphous modification in the composition transforming into cristobalite.