Wood-derived high-performance cellulose structural materials

The threats of nonrenewable energy consumption and environmental disruption caused by the extensive use of metals and polymers derived from petroleum have prompted the development of eco-friendly, high-performance, and long-lasting structural materials. After various treatments, cellulose materials exhibit exceptional properties such as high strength, fire resistance, hydrophobic properties, and thermal stability. Cellulose-based structural materials have excellent mechanical strength and the distinct advantages of being lightweight, inexpensive, and energy efficient. This review summarizes the recent progress in the preparation methods and properties of high-performance cellulose structural materials such as high-strength cellulose structural materials, thermal insulation cellulose structural materials, flame-retardant cellulose structural materials, hydrophobic cellulose structural materials, cellulose structural material with electrical properties, and other cellulose structural materials. The future of high-performance cellulosic structural materials and the prospective of their development are concluded.