Recent Developments in Chemical Derivatization of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC): Pre-Treatments, Functionalization, and Applications

Abstract

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is an isolated, colloidal crystalline portion of cellulose fibers, and it is a valuable alternative to non-renewable fossil-based materials. It is used for a large plethora of different fields, such as composites, food applications, pharmaceutical and medical developments, and cosmetic and material industries. The interest of MCC has also been driven by its economic value. In the last decade, particular attention has been driven to the functionalization of its hydroxyl groups to expand the field of applications of such biopolymer. Herein, we report and describe several pre-treatment methods that have been developed to increase the accessibility of MCC by breaking its dense structure allowing further functionalization. This review also collects the results that have appeared in the literature during the last two decades on the utilization of functionalized MCC as adsorbents (dyes, heavy metals, and carbon dioxide), flame retardants, reinforcing agents, energetic materials, such as azide- and azidodeoxy-modified, and nitrate-based cellulose and biomedical applications.

Development of a novel MIL‐68‐NH2@MCC composite for enhanced and synergistic removal of methylene blue and Sm(III) from an aqueous environment

“…$55 per kg for synthesis of MIL‐68‐NH 2 and decreased to $10 per kg when combined with MCC based on the data collected from the laboratory taking into account all process parameters such as scale, cost of raw materials, recycling, and washing. Besides, the preparation of MCC from recycled cotton, wood, grass, bacteria, or agricultural wastes could further cut down the total cost of the prepared composite 96,97 …”

“…Besides, the preparation of MCC from recycled cotton, wood, grass, bacteria, or agricultural wastes could further cut down the total cost of the prepared composite. 96,97 acid and the metal salts are mixed in the presence of MCC as described above. MCC contains many hydroxyl groups which helped to easily react with the reactants.…”

Surface‐methacrylated microcrystalline cellulose bioresins with soybean oil for additive manufacturing via vat photopolymerization

“…14 One potential method to further enhance the mechanical properties of biocomposites is by using modified MCC by functionalizing the hydroxyl groups with reactive functional groups such as acrylates or methacrylates to facilitate chemical crosslinking with the polymer chains in the matrix. 15 Cellulose as a bio-derived component in 3D printing has been explored extensively in literature. Pattinson et al used an extrusion-based setup to print specimens with a solution of cellulose acetate and acetone.…”

“…This process yields crystalline fibers approximately 20–50 microns in diameter, with a high surface area ideal for use as a reinforcing filler in biocomposites 14 . One potential method to further enhance the mechanical properties of biocomposites is by using modified MCC by functionalizing the hydroxyl groups with reactive functional groups such as acrylates or methacrylates to facilitate chemical crosslinking with the polymer chains in the matrix 15 …”