Cellulose chemistry: Perspective and retrospect

Abstract

Cellulose and the related polysaccharides found in plant cell walls, historically, have provided raw materials for many of mankind's requirements. Due to the increasing demands caused by the expanding population, rising economy and developing technology, during the 20th century, these renewable materials are no longer considered as inexhaustible. Under these circumstances the public sentiment is turning more and more towards the conservation, efficient utilization and reduction of waste. Wasteful practices such as burning substantial quantities of cellulosic materials without due concern for environmental degradation are no longer acceptable. The increasing concern for safety and quality of the environment and development of a multi-disciplinary approach towards the chemistry of natural products indicate that in future research programmes more emphasis should be placed on investigation and understanding of the cell-wall polysaccharides as a significant biological material and environmental substrate rather than an abundant raw material or a chemical commodity. © 1973, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.