Cellulose Was Discovered in 1838 by the French Chemist Anselme Payen, Who Isolated It from Plant Matter and Determined Its Chemical Formula

Cellulose structure：

The history of cellulose： Cellulose was discovered in 1838 by the French chemist Anselme Payen, who isolated it from plant matter and determined its chemical formula. Cellulose was used to produce the first successful thermoplastic polymer, celluloid, by Hyatt Manufacturing Company in 1870. Production of rayon ("artificial silk") from cellulose began in the 1890s and cellophane was invented in 1912. Hermann Staudinger determined the polymer structure of cellulose in 1920. The compound was first chemically synthesized (without the use of any biologically derived enzymes) in 1992, by Kobayashi and Shoda

How it is synthesized commercially or biologically：

Cellulose is a source of energy for several types of microbes. Large amounts of cellulose is degraded to glucose by both bacterial and fungal microbes. The glucose derived from cellulose degradation is then used by other microbes as a carbon source to produce energy. Many fungi, speciﬁcally the members of Basidiomycetes perform critical ecological function by degrading cellulose present in decaying wood.

Some animals can digest cellulose. When an herbivore, say a cow, consumes a plant, like grass, bacteria in their intestinal tract are able to break down the cellulose into smaller parts that the cow's own digestive system can absorb.

Some bacteria can actually produce their own cellulose, making a kind of film. The acetic acid bacteria used in the production of wine and beers is one of these types. The synthesized cellulose forms a film around the bacterial cell and becomes a kind of matrix, called a pellicle, which helps the acetic acid bacteria to float on the surface and access oxygen needed for their survival.

Cellulose’s properties： Cellulose, with the formula (C6H10O5) is an organic compound which consists of a linear chain made up from 'several hundred to over ten thousand β(1→4) linked D-glucose units'’or in simpler terms, it is made of repeated units of the monomer glucose. It is the ability of these chains to hydrogen-bond together into ﬁbres (microﬁbrils) that gives cellulose its unique properties of mechanical strength and chemical stability.created by both plants and animals. About 33% of all plant mater is cellulose (the cellulose content of cotton is 90% and that of wood is 40-50%)，although usually considered a plant material, it can also be produced by some bacteria.

Cellulose uses in society： Cellulose is mainly used to produce paperboard and paper. Smaller quantities are converted into a wide variety of derivative products such as cellophane and rayon. Conversion of cellulose from energy crops into biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol is under investigation as an alternative fuel source. Cellulose for industrial use is mainly obtained from wood pulp and cotton.

Some animals, particularly ruminants and termites, can digest cellulose with the help of symbiotic micro-organisms that live in their guts, such as Trichonympha. In humans, cellulose acts as a hydrophilic bulking agent for feces and is often referred to as a "dietary ﬁber".

Some problems associated with cellulose： Cellulose is a popular insulation material that is also environmentally friendly. However, it can cause some problems, including respiratory issues ① Loose Cellulose is Heavier than Fiberglass.The weight of the insulation material may cause problems, especially when it is meant for locations like ceilings. Loose cellulose weighs more than the same amount of rockwool or fiberglass. It is said that the amount of cellulose required to cover a given area weighs three times more than loose fiberglass required for that area. This could be a problem, if you choose cellulose insulation for weak ceilings. ② Wet Spray Cellulose Requires Proper Drying Time.If you opt for wet spray cellulose, you must have sufficient time to wait till it dries properly. Some people use large space heaters for drying the insulation. The insulation has to be dry, before you apply a drywall or sheet-rock. A moisture meter can be used to check the moisture levels, before installation. Though it requires some time to dry, wet spray cellulose provides a better seal and may not settle. ③ Dry-blown Cellulose may Sag and Settle.It has been noticed that dry-blown cellulose insulation settles over time and gets compact, thereby creating air spaces and reducing the R-value. It is also prone to moisture problems, which can lead to mold and mildew. This in turn affects the durability of the insulation. However, the problem of settling can be overcome with dense packing, which has to be done by an experienced person. ④ Blown-in Cellulose Insulation Releases Dust.Being made of minutely shredded newspaper, cellulose insulation may release dust through small holes. Mostly, this happens in case of inadequate or improper sealing. Dust that stays indoors for longer duration may cause health problems in the inhabitants. It may also carry particles of chemicals like borax. Exposure to dust is a common problem that is encountered during installation of cellulose insulation. Certified breathing masks have to be used in such cases. Another option is to use low-dust cellulose, which contains dampeners. ⑤ Cellulose Insulation Health Hazards.While exposure to dust is a cause of concern, the chemicals in cellulose insulation may also cause some health problems. Chemicals in inks and dyes of newspaper and those in additives like fire retardants and adhesives, may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. If exposed to the dust laced with chemical particles, symptoms like irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat may develop. Some people may experience cough and skin dryness. Long-term exposure to a high concentration of these chemicals may cause severe symptoms.