Cellulose
Cellulose is the most abundant natural, organic or biopolymer on the earth as it makes up around 50% of the material of all living plants and trees. It is a polysaccharide, so composed of linear chains of beta glucose monomer units.
The beta glucose, is formed by photosynthesis as water loses electrons and carbon dioxide gains electrons, creating oxygen and glucose. The enzyme cellulose synthase, a membrane protein found in a plants plasma membrane or cell wall, polymerises the glucose monomers, joining them together to form cellulose and give structure in living plants.
The use of all timber products relies on cellulose contained in its natural form within the wood itself. Cellulose is a key part of the paper and card industry, and in the form of cotton and hemp it is also used extensively in the manufacture of textiles amd clothing as well as other materials.
Cellulose was a key component in the manufacture of some of the first synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers such as cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate (a thermoplastic polymer), cellulose xanthate (rayon) and cellophane. Whilst most cellulose based polymers are recyclable they take up to ten years to biodegrade, however there is continuing potential to develop cellulose based bio-plastics that are more biodegradable such as through the use of cellulose fibrils rather than cellulose fibres.
Cellulosic ethanol is formed through the conversion of cellulose energy crops and has potential as a renewable biofuel.
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