Photo-induced degradation of cellulose

This research demonstrates that extensive oxidative degradation of cellulose, accompanied by formation of hydroxyl radicals, occurs during exposure to light with λ > 340 nm. As demonstrated by size exclusion chromatography, degradation is not random. No high-molecular weight fraction appears in the irradiated sample, meaning that cross-linking is not a dominant process. This justifies the use of viscometry for light-irradiated cellulosic materials. Studies show that the rate of degradation, carbonyl formation and brightness decrease may be reduced by addition of magnesium carbonate.