ABSTRACT
Looking back on tbe history of the science and technologies of cellulosic materials. we realize that numerous technologies for modifying cellulose by chemical and mechanical methods have been developed. Some of these technologies have been practically applied to produce modified cellulosic materials for our daily and industrial necessities. Cellulosic materials are generally strong. hydrophilic. insoluble in water. stable to chemicals. safe to living bodies. reproducible. recyclable. and biodegradable. With these specific and advantageous characteristics of cellulose. ··modification"" techniques to reinforce these original properties or to add new functionalities to cellulose have been investigated. and have contributed to the development of cellulose science and technologies. Chemical treatments have been positioned a1 the center of the fleld of cellulose modification.
