cellulosic

Cellulosic refers to cellulose, a natural polymer that is the principal constituent of plant cell walls. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth and provides rigidity to plant tissues. Chemically, it is a linear polymer of β-D-glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, assembling into crystalline microfibrils that give high tensile strength and resistance to degradation by common enzymes. In nature, cellulose is the primary structural material in cotton fibers, wood, and many other plant sources.

Cellulosic materials and derivatives are used across textiles, paper, and industrial products. Raw cellulose is processed into textiles such as viscose rayon and lyocell, and into films and papers. Derivatives, including cellulose esters (such as cellulose acetate) and ethers (such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose), enable uses as plastics, thickeners, binders, and coatings.

Cellulosic biofuels describe ethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass rather than sugars or starches. Production typically involves pretreatment to disrupt lignin and hemicellulose, enzymatic hydrolysis to release fermentable sugars, and fermentation. The approach offers potential benefits in using non-food feedstocks and reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, but faces challenges in pretreatment costs, enzyme efficiency, inhibitors, and overall economics.

Advances in nanocellulose, including cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose nanocrystals, highlight high strength and low density for use in composites, coatings, and advanced materials. Sustainable management and lifecycle considerations remain central to the development of cellulosic technologies.