Method for producing silylated cellulose

A method for preparing a silylated cellulose, wherein the method comprises:

• 1) combining starting materials comprising
• A) a cellulose comprising repeating monomeric units and having >2.5 to 3 hydroxyl groups per monomeric unit,
• B) a polar aprotic swelling agent,
• C) a catalyst, and
• D) a silylating agent comprising a silyl amine having a silicon-nitrogen moiety,
• thereby forming a reaction mixture;
• and
• 2) mixing the reaction mixture in a reactor with self-wiping mixing blades, and heating the reaction mixture at a temperature of 30° C. to 150° C., thereby forming a reaction product comprising the silylated cellulose with a degree of substitution>2, and where the starting materials are used in amounts such that the reaction mixture or the reaction product is a paste.