Cellulose: A comprehensive review of its properties and applications

Elina Marinho
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Abstract

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and a fundamental structural element in plant cell walls, consisting of long chains of glucose molecules that form a rigid framework providing strength and support to plants. As the most prevalent natural polymer, cellulose is an ideal candidate for producing environmentally friendly and economically viable polymeric products, traditionally made from petroleum-based synthetic polymers. It is the most abundant renewable material in the biosphere, cost-effective, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Cellulose’s physical and chemical properties – such as its insolubility in water, semi-crystalline structure, high tensile strength, biodegradability, and chemical reactivity – make it an incredibly versatile material. Recent studies have demonstrated its promising applications in various industries, including biofuels, bioplastics, and eco-conscious packaging. Specifically, cellulose acetate has emerged as a widely used derivative due to its biodegradable nature and versatility in applications like 3D printing, medical supplies, and environmentally friendly packaging. However, challenges related to extraction costs, property variability, and competition with synthetic materials still exist. Future research will aim to overcome these barriers by enhancing the properties of cellulose, improving processing technologies, and exploring nanocellulose and genetically modified plants as key areas for innovation. Innovations in cellulose recycling and the use of agricultural waste for biofuels are expected to further drive its integration into circular economy models, fostering environmental benefits and reducing overall impact.
纤维素:其性质和应用的综合综述
纤维素是一种复杂的碳水化合物,是植物细胞壁的基本结构元素,由长链葡萄糖分子组成,形成一个刚性框架,为植物提供力量和支持。作为最普遍的天然聚合物,纤维素是生产环保和经济可行的聚合物产品的理想候选者,传统上是由石油基合成聚合物制成的。它是生物圈中最丰富的可再生材料,具有成本效益、无毒、可生物降解等特点。纤维素的物理和化学特性——如不溶于水、半结晶结构、高抗拉强度、可生物降解性和化学反应性——使它成为一种用途广泛的材料。最近的研究已经证明了它在各个行业的应用前景,包括生物燃料、生物塑料和生态包装。具体来说,醋酸纤维素已成为一种广泛使用的衍生物,因为它具有可生物降解的性质,在3D打印、医疗用品和环保包装等应用中具有多功能性。然而,与提取成本、性能变化以及与合成材料的竞争相关的挑战仍然存在。未来的研究将致力于通过提高纤维素的性能、改进加工技术、探索纳米纤维素和转基因植物作为创新的关键领域来克服这些障碍。预计纤维素回收和农业废弃物生物燃料利用方面的创新将进一步推动其融入循环经济模式,促进环境效益并减少总体影响。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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CiteScore
0.40
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