An Original Method of Esterification of Cellulose and Starch

New acylation techniques were developed for the fabrication of fatty esters of cellulose and starch. They exclude the use of organic solvents and are readily achieved. Emulsification of the fatty acid in water allowed the intimate contact between the fatty reagent and the polysaccharide. Fatty acid salts (soap) were used as both catalyst and emulsifying agent. Reaction conditions were optimized using an experimental design. Starch and cellulose octanoates were obtained having a DS of 0.52 and 0.23 with a recuperation yield of 70 and 85 %, respectively. Both polysaccharide esters showed a marked hydrophobie character