Hydroxypropyl cellulose from α-cellulose isolated from Lantana camara with respect to DS and rheological behavior

► Hydroxypropylation of alpha cellulose isolated from Lantana camara was carried out with propyleneoxide in presence of sodium hydroxide under different reaction conditions. ► Variables studied were concentrations of sodium hydroxide and propyleneoxide, reaction temperature and time. ► The degree of substitution (DS) and apparent viscosity (η) were determined. ► The optimized product exhibited cold-water solubility and a clear solution in aqueous medium suggesting interesting rheological properties. ► The optimized product was also further evaluated with IR, SEM, TGA/DTA and WAXDs.