Tailoring Cellulose Surfaces by Controlled Polymerization Methods

Cellulose, with its excellent mechanical properties and low weight, would be highly advantageous to employ in bioplastics and biocomposites applications. However, to expand the utilization of cellulose beyond its traditional uses, a modification of the fiber surface is often a prerequisite. One approach is to graft polymer chains on the surface in order to compatibilize the fibers with a non-polar polymer matrix or to introduce functionalities. By exploiting controlled polymerization methods such as ATRP, RAFT, ROP, and ROMP, the surface of the fibers can be carefully tailored. Herein, an overview on controlled, heterogeneous grafting of cellulose fibers and fibrils employing both "grafting from" and "grafting to" methodologies is provided, focusing on the latest findings.