Chemical modification can be used to vary certain properties of cellulose such as its hydrophilic or hydrophobic character, elasticity, water sorbency, adsorptive or ion
exchange capability, resistance to microbiological attack and thermal resistance (McDowall et al., 1984).
The b-Dglucopyranose units which make up the cellulose chain contain one primary hydroxyl group and two secondary hydroxyl groups.
Functional groups may be attached to these hydroxyl groups through a variety of chemistries.
The principle and main routes of direct cellulose modification in the preparation of adsorbent materials are esterification,
etherification, halogenation and oxidation.