STUDY OF CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF CELLULOSE AND ITS DERIVATIVES

The review concerns the synthesis and properties of new cellulose derivatives which have been intensively investigated in the sphere of applied research for utilization of cellulose as the natural biomaterial. Attention is paid to new types of solvents which should lead to substitution of carbon disulfide in the classical production of regenerated-cellulose fibers and films. The possibility to derivatize cellulose in a homogeneous medium is another important aspect. The interest is concentrated on the controlled distribution of substituents on glucopyranose unit and on site-specific reactions on cellulose polymer chain with the aim to prepare tailor-made or special derivatives. The review is focused on new solvent systems for cellulose derivatization in a homogeneous medium giving polymers with liquid-crystal properties.