Cellulose and its Derivatives: Properties and Applications

Abstract

Cellulose, the most abundant organic compound or natural polymer on Earth, constitutes the main support for several living vegetables, being also found in some algae and marine creatures (tunicates). There are many cellulose types and configurations, and the chemical and physical properties of cellulosic derivatives depend on the biosynthesis of the crystalline cellulose microfibrils and the extraction process. Chemical and mechanical methods for the deconstruction of the cell wall can yield many products with high added-value and wide commercial application. This chapter focuses on the characteristics of cellulose sources, their classification, constitution and properties. It also describes common strategies to perform the extraction of cellulosic materials, and finally gives a deeper look into most of the cellulosic derivatives, regarding their properties and applications.