8. Outlook and development

Although cellulose is the most abundant polymer on earth, it has only recently come to prominence as a nanostructured material, in the form of cellulose nanocrystals (NCC), microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and bacterial cellulose.

There is currently a considerable amount of research into these materials, and commercial development is underway with some very promising applications.

• The markets envisaged are :

  • composites ;

  • electronics (flexible circuits) ;

  • energy (flexible batteries, such as lithium batteries, or solar panels);

  • coatings (paints and varnishes) ;

  • detergents ;

  • adhesives ;

  ...