hemicelluloses
Any of several cell wall polysaccharides present
in almost all vegetable fibers. Although
impervious to water and almost all natural organic
solvents, they may be removed gradually by means
of aqueous alkalis. They are hydrolized to simple
sugars, uronic acids and acetic acid when heated
with dilute acids. Their molecular weights are
usually lower than those of various celluloses.
The presence of hemicelluloses in paper improves
its bonding and folding characteristics. (17 , 72 , 235 )
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