Hydrogen bonding and other non-covalent interactions at the surfaces of cellulose microfibrils

Abstract It is now established that crystalline cellulose held together not just by hydrogen bonding, but also dispersion forces and electrostatic attraction modulated stereoelectronic factors such as the exo-anomeric effect. The surface chains of native microfibrils differ in C6 conformation from therefore form different bonds, both outward inward. Dispersion forces, influenced conformation, operate at microfibril surface. depends on whether interacts with water, surfaces other or non-cellulosic polymers. Cellulose-water binding competes interactions, so diverse interactions are finely balanced free energy, difficult to simulate, dependent local details water structuring about which little known, especially presence dispersed hemicellulosic pectic An example influence hydration aggregation measured neutron scattering, large for primary-wall small hardwood microfibrils. There many consequent uncertainties hydrated microfibrils, how pectins associate why cellulose-xylan interfaces resist hydration. Evidence a range experimental technologies, alongside simulations, will be needed resolve these uncertainties. practical implications wide-ranging, mechanism plant growth mechanical resilience wood development novel, wood-based building materials.