In this life, it is common for us to find something we need. However, the question is, do we need it? Often we feel we need something, but in reality, we just want it. In the world of economics, this often happens and it is important to know what the difference is. Many theories state that needs are basic things in meeting survival and must be met immediately.

Meeting the needs of living things, especially humans, is a basic factor in doing business. Certainly, we need supporters from the good around us. One of the goods is the existence of cellulose. As we know, it has many advantages and is helpful. It brings the properties of cellulose solubility. What is it?

Define the Solubility in Cellulose and the Factors Affecting

In everyday life of course we have made a solution. For example, mixing water with salt makes the water salty. Here, water acts as a solvent and salt as a solute. Simply put, this event is called solubility.

Almost all compounds can be dissolved in certain solvents, both ionic compounds and non-ionic compounds such as sugar. So what is cellulose solubility? Solubility is the maximum possible concentration of a solute (cellulose) in a solution at a certain temperature and pressure.

Either solid, liquid, or gas can dissolve in the solvent to form a homogeneous solution. How much solute is dissolved until it is saturated will determine the level of solubility.

However, the solubility is influenced by some factors. In general, the solubility of substances in solvents varies. It depends on the factors that affect the solubility. Several factors affect the solubility, among others; temperature, type of solvent, pH, and the presence of a common ion (similarity).

The first is temperature. The effect of temperature on solubility only has a significant effect if the reactant phase has a solid or gas phase. The solid phase has the principle of the higher the temperature, the higher the solubility of the solids in a solvent.

As the temperature of the solution increases, the distance between the molecules of the solid becomes more tenuous. This causes the bonds between solids to be easily separated by the attractive force of the water molecules so that the substance is easily soluble.

The next is solvent type. A compound will dissolve if it has the same level of polarity as the solvent. The more similar the level of polarity between the solute and the solvent will bring the higher the solubility of the solute in the solvent.

The level of pH is crucial. The solubility of the salts of weak acids depends on the solution. The last is the presence of a common ion. Some structures in cellulose have a common ion which is why cellulose ether has a high rate of solubility.

Microscopic Fibers in Cellulose Solubility

The solubility of cellulose is closely related to that of microscopic fibers. This fiber is a natural fiber in cellulose which is useful in absorbing fluids and retaining moisture. The use of cellulose and its derivatives is very beneficial because of the absorption capacity of these microscopic fibers. If you apply it to hygiene products, then this product can be superior.

Several cellulose derivatives that have been developed for industrial and commercial needs, based on their cellulose solubility tests, include methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). You can just find this cellulose being sold already in finished form like powder with various gram sizes.

Methyl cellulose can dissolve in cold water at a temperature of about 5 degrees Celsius. The washing process of this cellulose derivative must use hot water so that the methylcellulose doesn’t dissolve with impurities. The solubility of this moisture-resistant cellulose increases as the temperature increases.

You may have a laxative product at home that has methyl cellulose in it. In the pharmaceutical industry, methylcellulose is known as a drug to treat constipation. In the presence of cellulose solubility, MC will work well in forming fecal masses. When the stool has clotted then stimulation will arise and this is the right time to defecate.

Carboxymethyl cellulose is dry, easily dispersed, and expands by shaking manually. So this derivative cellulose requires a suspending agent such as sodium which will form nitric carboxymethylcellulose (CMC Na). CMC Na has a good viscosity so cellulose is often used as a binder in toothpaste preparations.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is often found in the form of a lump-free dispersion prepared by dispersing it in 50% volume of hot water above 600C. HPC is excellent as a binder.

Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose is insoluble in hot water, chloroform, 95% ethanol, and ether. HPMC is only soluble in mixtures of ethanol and dichloromethane, mixtures of water and ethanol, and mixtures of methanol and dichloromethane. HPMC is good as a gelling agent that many companies use for their pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

What are the Uses of the Solubility of Cellulose?

Solubility is one of the properties that have an important role in predicting the adsorption properties. We can find an example of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract. Drugs with low solubility in water have low dissolution rates and bioavailability, which are the decisive steps in the drug adsorption process. There are several other examples of the use of cellulose ether.

As we know, the uses of cellulose ether are so varied. The infield of construction, for example, is common to be used in some aspects. The form of cellulose ether is powder. This form, however, makes the substances easy to apply.

Besides the cellulose solubility range being high, it is also easy to get. Some factors such as easiness in the application, water retention, and adhesion are reasons for taking cellulose ether in a construction area. There are several popular applications of cellulose ether. It is used for tile adhesive, coating, and adding to paints.

In-home care products usually, the products will be in the form of liquid or gel. There is an item utilizing the principle of cellulose solubilities such as floor cleaner, detergent, and dishwashing liquid. Besides applying the solubility, these products adapted the value of viscosity. Cellulose ether is suitable and recommended for thickening and adjusting the rheology of liquid or gel with a certain level of pH.

There are still many advantages of using cellulose ether or derivations. In short, it is a multifunctional product. Its properties such as being odorless and easy to apply make it in many industries.