Compared study on the cellulose/CaCO3 composites via microwave-assisted method using different cellulose types.

The purposes of this study were to explore the influences of different cellulose types on the cellulose/CaCO3 composites, which were synthesized via the microwave-assisted method by using alkali extraction cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose, respectively. Experimental results demonstrated that the types of cellulose played an important role in the microstructure and morphologies of the cellulose/CaCO3 composites. The composites consisted of cellulose and pure phase CaCO3 (calcite). The sample synthesized using microcrystalline cellulose had better crystallinity than that of the sample using alkali extraction cellulose. The cellulose fibers and CaCO3 particles were observed using alkali extraction cellulose. However, using microcrystalline cellulose instead of alkali extraction cellulose, the cellulose with irregular shape and CaCO3 microspheres were obtained. Therefore, choosing appropriate cellulose types is very important for the formation of cellulose/CaCO3 composites. Furthermore, the Raman spectra of the cellulose/CaCO3 composites were also researched.