ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 23
II. Solubility of Cellulose 24
III. Accessibility and Crystallinity of Cellulose 25
IV. Degradation of Cellulose 26
V. Cellulose Derivatives 35
VI. Reduction of Cellulose 55
VII. Homogeneous Derivatization 56
VIII. Cellulose Graft Copolymers 57
Questions 59
References 63
Cellulose constitutes the most abundant, renewable polymer resource. It is estimated (1) that the yearly photosynthesis yield o f cellulose is 830 million tons. Today, with the availability o f an enormous variety o f synthetic polymers, cellulose and its derivatives are somewhat overshadowed. Nevertheless, cellulose occupies a unique place in the annals o f high polymers. It was one o f the first polymers to be studied, starting with Anselme Payen’s investigations (2). As it has been repeatedly acknowledged, “Many of the basic principles of polymer chemistry were worked out in the course o f cellulose investigations” (3, pg. 1). Payen first recognized cellulose as a definitive substance and coined the name cellulose. It is still widely investigated. Synthetic chemistry o f derivitization and regeneration o f cellulose, the physical chemistry o f cellulosic solutions, including those which are mesomorphic, constitute an active research area. The usage of cellulose and its derivatives in a diverse spectrum o f applications such as fibers, films, plastics, coatings, paper and wood products, composites, suspension agents, continue to grow on a worldwide basis.
