Abstract: Glycerin α-monobutyl ether, α-monohexyl ether, α-monoheptyl ether and α-monooctyl ether were synthesized and used as the plasticizers of regenerated cellulose films. The structure and properties of plasticized films were studied by FT IR, DTA and mechanical strength measurement. Experimental results showed that these four glycerin α-monoethers had good plasticization effects on the films. With increasing number of carbon atoms of etheric moiety, the interaction between molecules of plasticizer and cellulose increased and plasticization effects decreased. The resistance against water washing of regenerated cellulose films plasticized by glycerin α-monohexyl ether, α-monoheptyl ether and α-monoctyl ether was obviously higher than that of the films plasticized by glycerin.

Key words: regenerated cellulose film, glycerin α-monoether, plasticizer