Cellulose : Properties, Uses of cellulose

Cellulose

Cellulose is the main structural material of plants, and we all know that plant cell walls are composed of cellulose. Numerous B-D glucose molecules are linked in 8-1-4 carbon bonds to form cellulose. Cellulose plays a vital role in the process of building plant infrastructure. Since there is no skeleton in the plant body, cellulose is responsible for carrying the weight of the plant. Cellulose content is 94% in cotton, 10% in linen, 90% in cellulose, and 60% in wood. 30-40% in grassland and 40-70% in soil rich in organic matter.

Cellulose can be converted to glucose by hydrolysis with concentrated HSO, HCl, or NaOH. Different parts of the human digestive tract (mouth, stomach, and arms) do not digest cellulosic materials due to the lack of cellulosic enzymes; However, cellulose can act as a nutrient in cattle and goats. Cellulose is the primary material of the textile and furniture industry, and hence its contribution to human civilization is immense. Cellulose is the most abundant substance on earth. French chemist Anselme Payen discovered cellulose in 1838. Kobayashi Shode first synthesized synthetic cellulose in 1992.

Properties of Cellulose: 

(i) Cellulose is tasteless, odorless, white, and solid biochemical substance.

 (ii) It is a water-insoluble, non-oxidizing substance with a molecular weight of two lakhs to several lakhs. 

(ii) It is not sweet and has no oxidation power.

 (iv) Does not give any color on the application of iodine solution. 

(v) It is fibrous and tough as a material. 

(vi) It has no nutritional value in general.

Uses of Cellulose:

• Tantra is made from cellulose, the textile industry's primary raw material. 
• It is used as a nitrate explosive.
• It is used in acetate photographic film. Filter paper, tissue paper, photographic film, and packaging products are made from cellulose.
• Cellulose provides mechanical support as a significant component in construction materials and furniture.
• A parasite living in the alimentary canal of woodpeckers secretes cellulase enzymes. Wood helps in digestion. 
• Cellulose produced from fungi and bacteria is currently used in biotechnology. 
• It is also used to feed cattle.