LAUSR

Abstract The increased awareness about environmental issues has resulted in developing novel materials and sustainable solutions to reduce the dependence on fossil-based products. Herein, cellulose from sisal was derivatized into carboxylic esters (acetate, Ac; butyrate, Bu; and hexanoate, Hx); the produced materials were “shaped” into mats composed of nano- and ultrathin fibers. Our objective was to assess the effects of cellulose ester degree of substitution (DS), low- and high DS, ca. 0.2 and 2.6; the length of the acyl group and the electrospinning flow rate, 45.5 and 65.5 μL/min on the morphology of the fibrous material obtained therefrom. Cellulose was converted into its carboxylic esters under homogeneous conditions using LiCl/N,N-dimethylacetamide solvent, and acid anhydrides as acylating agents. The obtained cellulose- acetate, Cel-Ac, butyrate, Cel-Bu, and hexanoate, Cel-Hx were dissolved in trifluoracetic acid. The solutions of esters were subjected to electrospinning, under positive voltage of 25 kV, and needle-collector distance of 4 cm. Scanning Electron Microscopy of the electrospun mats showed the formation of ultrathin- (100 nm > diameter