The properties of lignocellulosic biomass are significantly impacted by cellulose, one of its constituents, in addition to hemicelluloses and lignin. The use of this biomass and cellulose free from the other components in materials predates the 1920s, when it was postulated and later confirmed the existence of macromolecular structures. In the following decades, the possibility of synthesizing macromolecules, combined with the high availability of oil, from which the reagents for such syntheses could be obtained, led to a gradual decrease in the use of the mentioned renewable raw materials. However, the environmental concerns that arose many years later due to fossil sources' use led to a scenario in which sustainable feedstocks, such as cellulose, assumed a prominent role. In this context, in our research, cellulose has been used as a reagent in the synthesis of other polymers (such as polyurethanes), as reinforcements of polymeric matrices, in patterns as different as woven blankets, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose nanocrystals. Also, lignocellulosic fibers with high cellulose contents have been used as reinforcement of polymeric matrices. Many promising results have been obtained, which have pointed to new paths to be followed.  Sustainability requirements will not only be maintained, but may also increase. Thus,  it is expected that cellulose-based materials will have ever greater relevance because, in addition to the properties that its presence attributes to the materials, this polysaccharide is broadly available worldwide.

Cellulose and lignocellulosics in macromolecular materials: A brief overview

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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