X-Ray scattering study of cellulosic arrangements in plant cell wall materials

Abstract

Plant cell walls are the most important source of the polymer cellulose. The cell wall contains crystalline cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix of amorphous polymers. The most important of these amorphous polymers are the lignins and the hemi-celluloses. In this thesis we concentrate on the use of wide angle x-ray scattering as a tool to understand the important arrangements of cellulose in cell walls. Other experimental tools are used to supplement this information.