Determination of molecular size of O-(2-hydroxyethyl)cellulose (HEC) and its relationship to the mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulases

► Chain size and molecular geometry for O-(2-hydroxyethyl)cellulose (HEC) was derived from physicochemical parameters. ► Onsager, Simha and Kuhn-Kuhn models provide information on polymer anisotropy. ► Changes in shape experienced by the presence of salts and temperature are related with enzymatic resistance.