Mozhgan Hashemzehi

Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in nature, and its renewability, sustainability, and biodegradability have attracted increasing global interest. In particular, cellulose and its derivatives hold significant potential within pulp and paper technology. Through various modification techniques, the properties of cellulose can be tailored to broaden its range of applications, with the type of modification selected depending on the intended function of the material. A thorough understanding of different cellulose modification approaches and the parameters influencing them is essential for maximizing the performance and usability of cellulose-based materials.The main objective of this project is to experimentally modify the surface chemistry and properties of cellulose using deep eutectic solvents, enzymatic pretreatments, and alkaline dissolution–precipitation systems to produce cationized cellulosic derivatives with high charge density. The project further aims to characterize the resulting materials and evaluate their potential applications in papermaking.