Cellulose-based polymers

The presented chapter deals with structure, morphology, and properties aspects concerning cellulose-based polymers in both research and industrial production, such as cellulose fibers, cellulose membranes, cellulose nanocrystals, and bacterial cellulose, etc. The idea was to highlight the main cellulose-based polymers and cellulose derivatives, as well as the dissolution technologies in processing cellulose-based products. The structure and properties of cellulose are introduced briefly. The main attention has been paid to swelling and dissolution of cellulose in order to yield various kinds of cellulose derivatives through polymerization. The main mechanisms and methods are also presented. Finally, the environmental friendly and green cellulose-based polymers will be evaluated as one of the multifunctional and smart materials with significant progress.

Automated summary

This chapter focuses on the structure, morphology, and properties of cellulose-based polymers in research and industrial production, with an emphasis on swelling and dissolution of cellulose for producing various derivatives. It highlights the potential of environmentally friendly and green cellulose-based polymers as multifunctional and smart materials.