As a natural polymer compound, cellulose has a wide range of applications in manufacturing. It is mainly derived from the cell walls of plants and is one of the most abundant organic compounds on earth. Cellulose has been widely used in paper manufacturing, textiles, plastics, building materials, medicine, food and other industries due to its unique molecular structure, environmentally friendly degradability and excellent physical and chemical properties.
1. Papermaking industry
The papermaking industry is the main application field of cellulose. Plant fibers can be made into pulp after mechanical or chemical treatment. Cellulose provides strength and durability as the main component in this process. In the papermaking process, the water absorption, smoothness and tensile strength of the paper can be controlled by adding chemical additives and using different fiber combinations. The emergence of recycled paper further emphasizes the sustainability and recyclability of cellulose, making it more advantageous in environmentally friendly materials.
2. Textile industry
Cellulose fibers (such as cotton) are widely used in the manufacture of fabrics as the basic raw materials of the textile industry. Cotton fibers contain more than 90% cellulose, which makes them soft, hygroscopic, breathable and other excellent properties, suitable for the manufacture of various types of clothing. In recent years, cellulose fibers can be chemically treated to form regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose fibers and modal fibers, further expanding the application of cellulose in the textile industry. These fibers are not only soft and comfortable, but also have good antibacterial and biodegradable properties.
3. Bioplastics and biodegradable materials
Cellulose can be used to make biodegradable plastics in the plastics industry, which is one of the important research directions for solving the problem of “white pollution”. By processing cellulose into cellulose acetate or cellulose ether, it can be used to make eco-friendly plastic films, tableware, etc. These materials have strong chemical stability and physical properties, and are easy to degrade in the natural environment, reducing the impact of plastic waste on the ecological environment.
4. Building materials
In the construction industry, cellulose is widely used to make fiber cement boards, fiber reinforced gypsum boards and thermal insulation materials. Combining cellulose fibers with other materials can enhance their impact resistance, tensile strength, and improve thermal insulation and sound insulation. For example, cellulose thermal insulation material is an environmentally friendly thermal insulation material. By injecting cellulose powder or cellulose particles into the building wall, it can effectively insulate and reduce noise, and its natural insect-proof properties make it more widely used in construction.
5. Food and pharmaceutical industry
Cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and methyl cellulose (MC) also have important applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Carboxymethyl cellulose is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in food, while methyl cellulose is often used as a disintegrant in tablets due to its good adhesiveness and biocompatibility. In addition, cellulose can also be added to food as dietary fiber to help people improve intestinal health.
6. Cosmetics industry
Cellulose is often used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics. For example, common carboxymethyl cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose can increase the viscosity and stability of cosmetics and avoid stratification of ingredients. In addition, the degradability and non-toxicity of cellulose make it suitable for use in cleansing products, skin care products and makeup.
7. Environmentally friendly materials and filter materials
Due to the porous structure and good adsorption of cellulose, it is increasingly used in filter materials. Cellulose membranes and cellulose nanofibers are used in air filtration, water treatment and industrial wastewater treatment. Cellulose filter materials can not only remove suspended particles, but also adsorb harmful substances, with the advantages of high efficiency and environmental protection. In addition, the application research of cellulose nanofibers makes it have great potential in the future filtration and environmental protection industries.
8. Energy field
Cellulose biomass has also attracted much attention in the energy field. Cellulose can produce renewable energy such as bioethanol and biodiesel through biodegradation and fermentation. Compared with petrochemical energy, the combustion products of biomass energy are relatively environmentally friendly and in line with the concept of sustainable development. The production technology of cellulose biofuel is gradually improving, providing new possibilities for clean energy in the future.
9. Application of nanotechnology
Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are an important progress in cellulose research in recent years. Due to their high strength, low density and good biocompatibility, they are widely used in various composite materials. The addition of cellulose nanofibers can significantly improve the mechanical properties of composite materials, and compared with other nanomaterials, cellulose nanofibers are renewable and biodegradable, so they have great potential in electronic devices, sensors, medical implants and high-performance materials.
10. Printing and inkjet technology
In printing and inkjet technology, cellulose derivatives are used to improve the fluidity and adsorption of inks, making the printing effect more uniform. In inkjet printing inks, cellulose can make the colors more full and clear. In addition, the transparency and strength of cellulose can improve the quality of printed paper and reduce ink diffusion, thus making the printed products of higher quality.
As a renewable and degradable natural polymer material, cellulose has become one of the important materials in modern manufacturing. Its wide application in different fields shows its diversity and environmental protection, and promotes the green transformation of many industries. In the future, with the continuous development of science and technology and the breakthrough of cellulose nanotechnology, the application of cellulose will be more diversified.
Post time: Nov-01-2024