Cellulose solubility, solvent and their regenerated cellulose products: A review

Abstract

Cellulose is a naturally occurring polymer that is renewable and usually found in the plants' cell wall. Cellulose complex hydrophobic interactions and amphiphilic character render them difficult to be dissolved and consequently restricting total utilization. Understanding on their chemical structure and physical behaviour, introduction to suitable solvent allowing dissolution process to occur. Nonetheless, the current solvents are not the best and not as efficient as intended towards cellulose dissolution. Till date, research on solvent types and their reaction mechanism are still explored and characterized. The dissolved cellulose can be regenerated to different physical products such as hydrogel, aerogel, cryogel, and xerogel. The regenerated products from dissolved cellulose can be moulded into various shape with a strong skeletal structure and usually hydrophilic, biocompatible, and can be biodegraded. Cellulose potentials in various applications are proven as an excellent alternative to the synthetic polymer, making this naturally occurring polymer has huge potentials in science and technology. Therefore, a review on cellulose, different types of solvent and regenerated products from cellulose-based materials are the main focus in this manuscript.