Cellulose modification by polymer grafting: a review

Abstract

This critical review is concerned with the recent advances in graft polymerisation techniques involving cellulose and its derivatives. It summarises some of the features of cellulose structure and cellulose reactivity. Also described are the various techniques for grafting synthetic polymers from the cellulosic substrate. In addition to the traditional grafting techniques, we highlight the recent developments in polymer synthesis that allow increased control over the grafting process and permit the production of functional celluloses that possess improved physical properties and chemical properties (189 references).

A Natural Based Method for Hydrophobic Treatment of Natural Fiber Material

“…30 By such a process also a crosslinking to the surface of a cellulosic based fiber is possible. 31,32 This connection to the fiber surface is especially necessary, if a long-term stability of the hydrophobic treatment onto the fiber material is wished. Persulfates are reported to initiate radical grafting reactions onto cotton fibers in aqueous media, however the formation of carbon or oxygen centered secondary radicals on the cellulose remains unclear.…”

“…33 However, using persulfate most authors imply a localization of the intermediate radical on the cellulosic oxygen (Scheme 2). 31,34,35 Scheme 2: Schematic drawing of persulfate reaction to form intermediate radicals on the cellulose. Thakur et al mention both options, but give no further evidence on the mechanism favoring one or the other.…”

Chemical Modification of Cellulose Isolated from Underutilized Hibiscus sabdariffa via Surface Grafting: A Potential Bio-based Resource for Industrial Application

“…12 Such modification may improve certain properties of the cellulose, such as elasticity, hydrophilic character, water and oil adsorption capacity, thermosensitivity, heat resistance, antimicrobial property, ion-exchange capacity, pH sensitivity, and crystalinity. [13][14][15][16] Surface-grafted cellulose is presently finding application in water treatment, medicine, personal care products, textile, and food industries. 17 This has created the need and search for cheap, environmentally friendly, and efficient biopolymers from natural resources like cellulose.…”

Utilizing Cellulose Nanofibril as an Eco-Friendly Flocculant for Filler Flocculation in Papermaking

“…Cellulose is a linear, high-molecular-weight, natural polymer consisting of repeating β-(1→4)-D-glucopyranose units and is the most abundant natural polymer on Earth (Roy et al 2009). Cellulose and its derivates have drawn attention in recent filler flocculation studies.…”