Standard Test Methods for Carboxyl Content of Cellulose

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the carboxyl content, or ion-exchange capacity, of cellulose from any source. Two test methods are described, the sodium chloride-sodium bicarbonate method (1) and the methylene blue method (2). The test methods must be used within their limitations, and it must be recognized that there is no way of determining the accuracy of any method for the determination of carboxyl. The precision of the sodium chloride-sodium bicarbonate method is low in the lower range of carboxyl values. The methylene blue method can be used over the whole range of carboxyl values; it is especially useful in the low range. It is not applicable to the determination of carboxyl in soluble carbohydrate material. Although these test methods may be used to determine the ion-exchange capacity of unbleached pulps, the residual lignin will cause an undetermined error, especially the sulfonic acid groups in unbleached sulfite pulps (3).

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.