METHYL CELLULOSE WITH IMPROVED GEL STRENGTH

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for manufacturing methyl cellulose having high gel strength capable of replacing albumen.SOLUTION: There is provided a method for manufacturing methyl cellulose having methoxyl substitution level of 25 to 35% and non methoxyl substitution of 1% or less based on mass of methyl cellulose including processes of, (a) reacting a cellulose pulp with first aqueous alkali hydroxide with a mass ratio of 0.60/1 to 0.74/1 based on cellulose of a methylating agent at 65 to 120°C to partially methylate the cellulose pulp to a first methoxyl substitution level which is 20% or more of the total methoxyl substitution level, and (b) continuously or gradually adding the methylating agent with a second amount to the methyl cellulose with a second alkalizing level for 15 minutes or more at 65 to 120°C for alkalizing the first methyl cellulose with second aqueous alkali hydroxide and methylating to a second methoxyl substitution level which is 40% or more of total methoxyl substitution level.