Comprehensive Cellulose Chemistry

Cellulose is not only a major constituent of wood and natural textile fibres. It also serves as a polymeric starting material for products used in many areas of industry and every-day-life. This handbook is divided in two volumes. In this first volume, general information on cellulose structure and properties is given, as well as the principles of homogeneous and heterogenous cellulose reactions and degradation pathways. Analytical methods for the characterization of cellulose are also described. The second volume of the book covers synthetic routes to the various classes of cellulose derivatives. Structured according to the principles of organic chemistry, the achievements of today's reaction theory are considered and supplemented by an extensive collection of working procedures. The third part deals with the latest developments and future trends in cellulose chemistry - from progress in cellulose processing to the supramolecular chemistry of new derivatives of cellulose. This extensive coverage should make the book suitable for graduate students entering this field of research.
Chemists, biologists and engineers who are active in chemical processing of cellulose should also find useful information in the volumes.