Cellulose and its derivatives in textiles: primitive application to current trend

Abstract Cellulose-based textile fibres have rapidly evolved since their first invention. It is an important source of reference in textile industries due to their universality and compatibility. Over time, the transition from natural to man-made fibre involved extensive research developments. By virtue of the better development, modification of native cellulose is not foreign in textile industries and offers a slew of benefits. Nonetheless, inventions were meant to meet current needs. Such needs include aesthetically pleasing and high mechanical strength, with low production cost. Current trends are into technological advancement providing textiles with self-heating and self-cooling properties, embedded with electrical devices, as well as, but not limited to, antibacterial property. Man-made cellulose-based textile has more to offer in comparison to native cellulose. However, all these advancements are still limited with renewability and sustainability. Both industries and consumers are the drivers to possibilities in the developments of textile technology.