DERIVATIVES OF NATURAL MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (polysaccharides C08B; natural rubber C08C; natural resins or their derivatives C09F; bituminous materials C10)

Description

C08H covers chemical modifications and derivatives of naturally occurring macromolecules, including cellulose, starch, proteins, and polysaccharides obtained from plant or animal sources. This classification encompasses chemical reactions such as esterification, etherification, crosslinking, and substitution applied to natural polymers to alter their properties. Typical applications include modified cellulose products (acetates, ethers), chemically treated starches for industrial use, and protein-based materials with enhanced functionality. Adjacent classes C08B (polysaccharides) and C08G (synthetic macromolecular compounds) are distinguished by focusing on naturally derived starting materials rather than fully synthetic polymers or unmodified natural substances.