cellulose esters

Cellulose esters are chemical compounds formed by modifying cellulose, a natural material found in plant fibers, through a process called esterification. This involves replacing some of cellulose’s hydroxyl groups with ester groups, resulting in materials that are more flexible, soluble in certain solvents, and useful for specific applications. Common types include cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, which are used in manufacturing films, plastics, coatings, and textiles. These esters retain much of the strength and stability of raw cellulose but offer improved handling and functional properties suitable for industrial use.