Influence of water on localized and delocalized molecular mobility of cellulose

The influence of hydration on cellulose molecular mobility is investigated by two dielectric methods at different molecular scale. The mobility of side groups, assigned to γ mode, for dried cellulose increases. The water molecules have an anti-plasticizer effect on γ mode due to the water–polymer hydrogen bonding. For the β relaxation mode, only observed by the Thermo Stimulated Current technique, the hydration plays a role of plasticizer. The α relaxation mode assigned to the delocalized cooperative mobility of long chain segments of cellulose is plasticized by water. The study of activated parameters deduced from fractional polarization procedure, shows an increase of the activation enthalpy range with dehydration. It permits to conclude that reduction of hydrogen bonds density leading to a more extended cooperative mobility.