Chemistry of Cellulose

Chemical modification of cellulose is therefore currently being focused on for the improvement of cellulose resistance towards abrasion and heat, increased oil and water repellence, antibacterial properties, and improved mechanical strength. The supramolecular structure of cellulose is a factor of the molecular structure and this determines its major physical and chemical properties. The molecular structure of cellulose shows that it predominantly comprises of hydroxyl groups which engage in intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which are responsible for interchain cohesion. Therefore, discussions on mechanical properties of cellulose are most often based on criteria applicable to textile end uses, such as elongation at break or breaking strength. Subsequently, improvements in the mechanical properties of nanocomposites by cellulose nanocrystal reinforcement were also found.