celofánu

Celofánu is a transparent, brittle film made from regenerated cellulose. It is produced by treating cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp or cotton, with a strong alkali and carbon disulfide to form cellulose xanthate. This xanthate solution is then extruded through a narrow slit into an acid bath, where it regenerates into a thin, flexible film.

The primary characteristic of celofánu is its clarity, which made it a popular packaging material for a wide range of products, including food items, cigarettes, and cellophane-wrapped flowers, allowing consumers to see the product inside. It is also permeable to gases and moisture, which can be an advantage for certain applications but a disadvantage for others requiring a moisture barrier.

Historically, celofánu was widely used for its biodegradability, being derived from a natural source. However, its brittleness and susceptibility to moisture degradation limited its use in some environments. While still in use for certain niche applications, particularly where its transparency and biodegradability are paramount, celofánu has largely been replaced in many consumer packaging roles by more robust and versatile plastic films like polyethylene and polypropylene. Its production process, involving chemicals like carbon disulfide, also presents environmental considerations.