Conclusion
Alkali cellulose is a term that is often used in the field of chemistry and textiles. It refers to a type of cellulose that has been treated with an alkali solution, which causes it to become more soluble in water. This article will explore the definition and meaning of alkali cellulose, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Alkali cellulose is a derivative of cellulose that is obtained by treating cellulose with an alkali solution, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. This treatment causes the cellulose to swell and become more soluble in water, which makes it easier to process into products such as viscose rayon and cellophane.
Origin
The process of creating alkali cellulose was first discovered in the late 19th century by two British chemists, Charles Cross and Edward Bevan. They found that by treating cellulose with an alkali solution, they could create a more soluble form of the material that could be used to make a range of different products.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, alkali cellulose is defined as “a derivative of cellulose that is obtained by treating cellulose with an alkali solution and that is more soluble in water than cellulose itself.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a form of cellulose that has been treated with an alkali, making it more soluble in water and easier to process into textiles and other products.”
Associations
Alkali cellulose is commonly associated with the textile industry, where it is used to create a range of different fabrics and materials. It is also used in the production of cellophane, which is a transparent film that is often used for packaging.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for alkali cellulose include alkali-treated cellulose, caustic cellulose, and viscose.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for alkali cellulose, but it could be contrasted with untreated cellulose, which is not as soluble in water and is more difficult to process.
The same root words
The root words of alkali cellulose are “alkali” and “cellulose.” Alkali refers to a type of chemical compound that is basic in nature, while cellulose is a natural polymer that is found in plant cell walls.
Example Sentences
- The production of viscose rayon relies on the creation of alkali cellulose.
- Cellophane is made from a type of alkali cellulose that has been treated with sodium hydroxide.
- The alkali cellulose solution was carefully monitored to ensure that it was at the correct pH level.
Alkali cellulose is a type of cellulose that has been treated with an alkali solution, which makes it more soluble in water and easier to process into a range of different products. It has a long history in the textile industry and is still used today to create fabrics, cellophane, and other materials. Understanding the definition and meaning of alkali cellulose is important for anyone working in these fields.