The Solubility of Unmodified Cellulose: A Critique of the Literature

Abstract Petrochemical, shortages have stirred renewed interest in cellulose because it is the single replaceable raw material, and exists in great abundance. This literature survey reviews the cellulose solvent systems that do not in general rely on stable cellulose derivatives that can be isolated. This review is arranged in a manner suggested by Turbak [1] that classifies all cellulose solvents by the nature of their interaction with cellulose. An alternate classification, presented in Section VI, mainly for the benefit of the pragmatist, reappraises the various solvents in terms of aqueous or nonaqueous systems. When available, the minimum information on the properties of regenerated and coagulated cellulose is provided to further assist in assessing the overall potential of the many different systems capable of dissolving cellulose.