Cellulose derivatives and graft copolymers as blocks for functional materials. Issue 3 (28th January 2013) - Kang, Hongliang
Abstract In this review, recent progresses in the synthesis of new cellulose derivatives and graft copolymers are summarized. Cellulose derivatives synthesized in new cellulose solvents, such as ionic liquids and NaOH/urea, and the regioselective synthesis of cellulose derivatives have attracted increasing attention in recent years and could be a more active field for cellulose in the future. Cellulose graft copolymers with well‐defined architectures synthesized by controlled/living radical polymerizations such as atomic transfer radical polymerization and their stimuli‐induced assembly have been investigated extensively. Stimuli‐responsive functional materials can be fabricated using either cellulose derivatives or graft copolymers, and they can be used as biosensors and carriers for controlled delivery of drugs and genes. The fabrication of functional materials with cellulosic blocks and their applications have a bright future. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry