Cellulose Derivatives

Cellulose
Cellulose is a long-chain polymer with the formula of (C6H10O5)n. It is abundantly present on the cell walls. This plant material was first recognized in 1838 by Anselme Payen. It is composed of repeating units of β-D-glucopyranose in pyranoses or 6-membered rings. The units of glucose are attached “by single oxygen atoms (acetal linkages) between the C-1 of one pyranose ring and the C-4 of the next ring.” However, this biopolymer is combined with lignin and hemicelluloses in stalks, woods, and leaves (H.P.S. Abdul Khalil et al., as cited by Jitendra K. Pandey, et. al., Handbook of Polymer Nanocomposites. Processing, Performance and Application – Volume C: Polymer Nanocomposites of Cellulose Nanoparticles).

Figure __. Molecular

Abdul Khalil et al., as cited by Jitendra K. Pandey, et. al., Handbook of Polymer Nanocomposites. Processing, Performance and Application – Volume C: Polymer Nanocomposites of Cellulose Nanoparticles, p. 482).
On the other hand of these applications, nanofibers from cellulose have disadvantages that can limit its applications. These said qualities include “poor thermal stability, non-compatibility with hydrophobic polymers, and absorption of moisture”. In order to have a better product that can maximize its applications, cellulose is combined with other materials that have low crystallinity such as PLA, PVA, *other low crystallinity*. Aside from producing nanofibers, cellulose can also be turned to “hydrogels, nanoparticles, aerogels, films, nanocrystals, and nanowhiskers”. (Mridula Prakash Menon a, et. al.,

In 1957, this was used in electrophoresis. It replaced nitrate films as a film base in the field of photography. It has also applications on cigarette filters, frame material for eyeglasses, and textile industry. This cellulose derivative that was first obtained in 1865 is acquired “by the acetylation of cellulose with raw materials containing acetyl groups like acetic anhydride and acetic acid, usually with the presence of sulfuric acid, an acid catalyst” (Constantino, 2015 as cited by Chico, Go, Medina, 2017, p.