Cellulose esters future

In optical device application, biomass-derived cellulose esters are being studied actively as a potential material for optical films. Besides being derived from abundantly available biomass resources, they also possess characteristics suitable as optical films such as high transparency and excellent heat resistance [8]. By virtue of these properties, cellulose esters provide huge possibilities for future development of optical films in order to meet the market demands. 

This chapter first gives an overview of cellulose raw materials and their molecular and supermolecular structures. The principles of shaping cellulose into fibres, films, and nonwovens by means of solution techniques are then outlined followed by a section on properties and market applications of these materials. Derivatives of cellulose are presented with special emphasis on thermoplastic cellulose esters, typical plasticizers, and promising reinforcing materials. Finally, recent developments and future prospects of cellulose materials are reviewed as far as the above applications are concerned. This book does not cover the important applications of cellulose and ligno cellulose fibres for reinforcing thermoplastics, like wood plastic composites (WPC) and natural fibre reinforced plastics (NFRP), since in these cases cellulose does not substitute a thermoplastic. 

G. Toriz, P. Gatenholm, B.D. Seiler, and D. Tindall, Cellulose fiber-reinforced cellulose Esters Biocomposites for the future. Nat. Fibers Biopolym. Biocompos. (2005). 

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