Functional and Thermal Analysis of Suberin Isolated from Birch Bark

Abstract

The functional composition and the process of thermal degradation of suberin samples obtained by water-alkaline and alcohol-alkaline hydrolysis of outer birch-bark were studied by IR-spectroscopy, TGA and DTA methods. It was shown that the partial hydrolysis of birch bark occurs in water-alkaline solution, while alcohol-alkaline hydrolysis of bark yields the mixture of suberinic acids. The alcoholalkaline suberin destruction occurs at higher temperatures than that of water-alkaline suberin. The basic weight loss is observed at 340-400 °С and 410-440 °С. At these temperatures the loss of weight is 64 % and 91 % for samples of suberin, obtained by water-alkaline and alcohol-alkaline hydrolysis of outer birch-bark accordingly. It was shown that method of suberin isolation from birch-bark defines the composition, properties and areas of the use of suberinic products.