Classification and use of cellulose

Cellulose is a natural polymer compound mainly found in plant cell walls. It has good biodegradability and versatility.
In industrial production, cellulose is usually divided into three categories: microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose ether and cellulose ester. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, textile, building materials and other fields.

Microcrystalline cellulose

Microcrystalline cellulose is a polymer compound obtained by chemical and physical treatment with wood fiber and herbaceous plants as raw materials. It has relatively high crystallinity and dispersibility, and is an important raw material for the production of pulp, paper, hard porcelain, coatings, resins and other products. In addition, microcrystalline cellulose can also be used as a raw material for industrial chemicals such as paint additives and oil well mud thickeners.

Cellulose ether

Cellulose ether is based on cellulose. A class of polymer compounds obtained by chemical reaction or physical processing. It has good adhesion, solubility, water resistance and alkali resistance. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, building materials and textile industries. Common cellulose ethers include ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, etc.

Cellulose ester

Cellulose ester is a kind of polymer compound obtained by esterification reaction of cellulose with organic acid or inorganic acid. It has excellent heat resistance, weather resistance, mechanical properties and plasticity. It is widely used in plastics, coatings, paints, natural resins and other fields.

There are many types of cellulose esters. Common ones include cellulose acetate, cellulose pyruvate, cellulose nitrate, etc.

In summary, cellulose, as a natural polymer compound, has broad application prospects and market potential. In order to better exert its functions and application value, further research and development is needed.
At the same time, in order to achieve sustainable development, it is also necessary to strengthen resource utilization and environmental protection.