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A twist in history: How did French chemists uncover the mystery of cellulose?
Cellulose, as an important polymer in nature, carries profound historical and scientific value. It is not only the main component of plant cell walls, but also widely used in textile, packaging, composite materials and other fields because of its unique physical and chemical properties. Let us review the discovery and development of cellulose, and gain insight into the mystery behind how humans gradually mastered this important substance.
In 1838, French chemist Anselm Payet extracted and confirmed the chemical structure of cellulose from plants for the first time. This discovery marked a new starting point for cellulose research.
The structure of cellulose is a polymer composed of repeating chains of glucose molecules, which are linked together by special chemical bonds. Each cellulose molecule can be composed of hundreds to 10,000 glucose units, which makes cellulose particularly outstanding in terms of mechanical strength and stability. Compared with other similar carbohydrates, such as starch, the structure of cellulose is linear, so it is not easily broken down by animal enzymes. This is also the unique biological significance of cellulose in nature.
As time goes by, the application of cellulose gradually increases. From celluloid, the first thermoplastic polymer produced by Hyatt Company in 1870, to the invention of viscose fiber and cellulose tape in the early 20th century, cellulose has indeed become an indispensable raw material in modern industry .
"Cellulose is not only a material, but also a bridge connecting multiple scientific fields."
Types and structures of cellulose
Cellulose can be divided into two categories: natural fibers and man-made fibers. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen retain the original form of the plant and can be obtained through simple cleaning and processing. Man-made fibers convert plant raw materials into cellulose pulp, which is then extruded through fiber manufacturing technology. For example, rayon (viscose fiber) is made from wood pulp.
The microfiber structure of natural fibers and their composite formation with hemicellulose and lignin give them excellent mechanical properties and stability. Man-made fibers, on the other hand, rely more on chemical transformations during processing to obtain the desired properties.
Widely used cellulose
Cellulose is used in almost all walks of life. Its revolutionary innovation in the textile industry enables people to produce a variety of new materials. Recycling of cellulose, such as viscose and Los Angeles fiber, provides the fashion industry with more environmentally friendly options.
"Cellulose's biodegradability and recyclability make it an important consideration for future materials science."
In terms of environmental protection, cellulose is regarded as the most sustainable among natural materials. Its degradability in the environment provides new opportunities for the green revolution amid the plastic crisis. In addition, cellulose-containing composite materials are gradually replacing traditional materials in fields such as construction and automobiles, becoming a good choice for lightweighting and emission reduction.
Conclusion: The future of cellulose
Looking to the future, cellulose will undoubtedly continue to lead the development direction of materials science. With the increasing emphasis on environmental factors, how to rationally utilize cellulose in different fields will be an important issue faced by scientists and engineers. How can cellulose be more widely used in the development of new technologies and materials, which will trigger our unlimited imagination of future life?
