cellulosebased

Cellulose-based materials are polymers and composites derived from cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth. They include native cellulose from wood, cotton, and other plants, as well as regenerated and derivative forms such as cellulose ethers and esters. The term covers a broad range of products, from films and fibers to nanoparticles and hydrogels.

Cellulose features a high natural strength and stiffness, is hydrophilic due to abundant hydroxyl groups, and is generally biodegradable. Through derivatization and fibrillation, properties can be tailored for packaging, textiles, and biomedical uses. Regenerated cellulose such as viscose and lyocell offers clear, soft fibers; cellulose esters (e.g., cellulose acetate) and ethers (e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose) function as films, coatings, thickening, and stabilizing agents.

Processing approaches include dissolution and regeneration (as in viscose or lyocell) and mechanical methods to produce microfibrillated cellulose and nanocellulose. Nanocellulose materials show high strength and stiffness and can reinforce polymers in biocomposites. Other forms form films, gels, and aerogels. Production methods span solution-based spinning, casting, extrusion, and 3D printing.

Applications encompass sustainable packaging films with barrier properties, textiles and nonwovens, biocomposites, medical materials such as wound dressings and drug delivery matrices, edible films, and membranes for filtration and separation. In electronics and coatings, cellulose-based layers provide biocompatible, renewable options.

Environmental and economic aspects emphasize renewability, biodegradability, and potential carbon savings when sourced responsibly. Challenges include moisture sensitivity, thermal stability, compatibility with nonpolar plastics, and processing costs. Ongoing research focuses on more efficient dissolution, surface modification, and scalable production of nanocellulose to widen applications.