Cellulose is the world’s most common biopolymer, and as such will play a growing role as our society confronts the problems of climate change and declining stocks of fossil fuels. Here, the reader will discover a comprehensive overview of the biology, chemistry and physics that make cellulose an important and fascinating molecule. Specifically, the subjects of the biosynthesis, structure, and enzymatic hydrolysis are presented, before a discussion on a more general level, including from the perspectives of polymer science, sugar chemistry and botany. The final chapters of the book enter into the specific subjects of biofuels, with perspective of the future. The book is written with the diversity of the audience in mind. It will serve as a reference book for polymer scientists and engineers, but it is also accessible to students in these and related fields, including environmental sciences.

First Foreword - Second Foreword - Preface - Introduction - Biosynthesis of Cellulose - Structure and Properties of Cellulose - Swelling and Dissolution of Cellulose - Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cellulose - Non-Biological Degradation of Cellulose - Cellulose Derivatives - Fuels and Chemicals from Biomass - Perspectives - Glossary - Keyword Index

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