Synthesis, characterisation and water sorption properties of pectin-dehydrogenation polymer (lignin model compound) complex

Coniferyl alcohol was polymerised in the presence of pectin and a pectin-DH P complex was isolated. Characterisation of the complex has demonstrated th at DHP (20% wt) was covalently linked by ester bonds to the pectin. The wat er sorption behaviour of the pectin-DHP complex was determined at several r elative vapour pressures and compared with those obtained on pectin, DHP an d a blend of both polymers in the same proportion as in the complex. The co mplex exhibited a lower hydrophilicity resulting from three associated phen omena: grafting, pectin-DHP interactions and the formation of a chemical ne twork. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.