Fibers of high strength and modulus for reinforcement

Like other cellulosic plants, jute has a complex cell wall structure consisting of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cellulose in jute fibers provides them with strength and durability, while hemicellulose acts as a cementing agent that binds the fibers together. Lignin, on the other hand, provides rigidity to the cell wall and helps to protect the plant from environmental stresses. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate, composed of glucose monomers linked together through β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. It is the most abundant organic compound on earth and forms the structural basis of plant cell walls. Cellulose molecules are highly stable and resistant to chemical and enzymatic degradation due to the presence of various functional groups.

The functional groups of cellulose include hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which are present on the glucose monomers and contribute to the hydrogen bonding network between adjacent cellulose molecules. The hydroxyl groups on cellulose are highly polar, making cellulose a highly hydrophilic compound.

Cellulose also contains acetyl groups (-COCH3) which are attached to the hydroxyl groups of the glucose monomers. These acetyl groups are involved in the regulation of cellulose biosynthesis, by modulating the activity of enzymes involved in cellulose synthesis.

Another important functional group in cellulose is the carboxyl (-COOH) group. This group is formed by the oxidation of the primary alcohol groups on the glucose monomers and is found in oxidized cellulose derivatives. Carboxyl groups can contribute to the solubility and reactivity of cellulose in certain conditions.

Other functional groups found in cellulose include methoxyl (-OCH3) and sulfonic acid (-SO3H) groups. Methoxyl groups are present in some modified forms of cellulose, while sulfonic acid groups are introduced by sulfonation of cellulose, resulting in the production of water-soluble cellulose derivatives.

Overall, the functional groups present in cellulose play important roles in the physical and chemical properties of the compound. Understanding these functional groups is important for developing new cellulose-based materials and for improving the efficiency of processes that involve cellulose.