Controlled grafting of cellulose fibres – an outlook beyond paper and cardboard

Cellulose is highly interesting from a materials science perspective, very much fuelled by its abundance, renewability and low cost. In this review, the heterogeneous grafting of cellulose fibres through controlled radical polymerization methods is highlighted. Techniques such as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) allow for fibres with tailorable properties and built-in functionality to be produced. Undoubtedly, cellulose is a material for the future and it is foreseen that in a few years, the use of cellulose will probably extend far beyond the traditional application areas, such as in paper and cardboard.