We investigate the relation between various degrees of acetylation of cellulose acetates (CA) and the dust explosion characteristics minimum explosible concentration (MEC) and minimum ignition energy (MIE). We attempt to clarify the effect of the relative of moisture content and moisture adsorption ability of cellulose, CA and cellulose ethers methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose on MEC and MIE. Chemical derivatization has a significant effect on the thermal behavior of cellulose derivatives and the decomposition temperature (T-d) of CA were shifted to higher temperatures because of acetate derivative effects. The degree of acetylation of the CA did not have an obvious effect on T-d. The T-d of cellulose ethers were shifted to lower temperatures. The difference in moisture content in the air dried and the absolutely dry cellulose material powders did not affect its MEC. However, we found the moisture adsorption ability of them exposed in difference humidity influences the MEC. In this study, HEC was the greatest moisture adsorption ability corresponding to non-explosive and EC was the least moisture adsorption ability corresponding to high risk of explosion hazard. Relative moisture did not substantially change the MIE of cellulose ethers and cellulose ester but was relevant for cellulose. Chemical derivatization has a significant effect on moisture adsorption, thermal stability and dust explosion characteristics of cellulosic materials. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.