Research Overview

Plant biomass contains a high amount of cellulose (long linear chain polysaccharides), hemicellulose (short cross-linked chained polysaccharides that hydrogen bond to the cellulose), and lignin (non-carbohydrate organic compound). Cellulosic materials such as cellulose and hemicellulose are hydrophilic polysaccharides commonly found in plant biomass and are both non-toxic and biodegradable.

These materials are used in the textile, packaging, energy, water and wastewater, paint and coating, and building and construction applications. Cellulose can exist in its pure form due to its high mechanical and flexure strength, high water loading capacity, good moisture content, and high thermal and chemical resistance. Even in its pure form, cellulosic materials can be recycled or biodegraded easily. The adoption of natural cellulose, cellulose acetate, and nitrocellulose has increased steadily in various industries. Nano-cellulose is also finding applications in the textile, agriculture, and food and beverages industries. Research advances across the globe focus on developing cost-efficient yet effective processes for converting agriculture biomass or food waste into cellulose for developing value-added materials.