The Subtleties of Dissolution and Regeneration of Cellulose: Breaking and Making Hydrogen Bonds

Abstract

Cellulose dissolution and regeneration are old topics that have recently gained renewed attention. This is reflected in both applications - earlier and novel - and in scientific controversies. There is a current discussion in the literature on the balance between hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions in controlling the solution behavior of cellulose. Some of the key ideas are recalled.

Keywords

• Dissolution
• Cellulose
• Regeneration
• Hydrophobic interactions
• Hydrogen bonds
• Entropy