Alpha Cellulose

One of three classes of cellulose, Alpha Cellulose Powder has the highest degree of polymerization and is the most stable. The other two classes, known ashemicelluloses, are beta cellulose and gamma cellulose. Alpha cellulose powder is the major component of wood and paper pulp. It may be separated from the other components by soaking the pulp in a solution of sodium hydroxide. The pure white, alpha cellulose is insoluble and can be filtered from the solution and washed prior to use in the production of paper or cellulosic polymers. A high percent of alpha cellulose in paper provides a stable, permanent material. Linen and cotton contain high proportions of Alpha Cellulose Powder. Alpha cellulose pulps can be created from wood pulps and Cotton Linters using extended sulfite.