Facile extraction and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from agricultural waste sugarcane straw

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sugarcane straw is an available but largely ignored lignocellulosic biomass to obtain cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with highly crystalline, tunable surface chemistries and a wide-ranging adaptability. Herein, we utilized sugarcane straw to obtain pure cellulose via purification processes, followed by subsequent preparation of CNCs via sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The properties of the purified fibers and obtained CNCs were assessed by their composition, morphology, chemical structure, crystallinity and thermal stability.RESULTS: After the purification process, alkali-treated fibers (ATFs) contained 886.33 ± 1.25 g kg −1 cellulose, and its morphological analysis revealed a smooth and slender fibrous structure. The CNCs obtained by treatment with 64 wt% sulfuric acid at 45 °C for 60 min were isolated in a yield of 21.8%, with a diameter and length of 6 to 10 nm and 160 to 200 nm, respectively. Moreover, crystallinity index of these CNCs reached 62.66%, and thermal stability underwent a two-step degradation. Shortterm ultrasonication after hydrolysis was employed to enhance isolation of the CNC particles and improve the anionic charge with higher value −38.00 mV.CONCLUSION: Overall, isolation and characterization results indicated the potential for CNCs preparation using sugarcane straw, in addition to offering a fundamental understanding of this material and indicating potential applications.

The preparation of cellulose nanocrystal/1,3‐butylene glycol composite structural color films and humidity‐responsive

“…In addition, the action of ultrasonic induces breakage of agglomerates and clusters, associated with a cumulative reduction of cluster size and increases its dispersion, then the zeta potential of CNC would change 48 . Other studies have confirmed that short‐time (5 min) sonication will cause shorter CNC size and reduced potential at specific power 49 . Meanwhile, increasing ultrasonic power had no significant effect on the zeta potential ( p > 0.05) (Figure 2f).…”

“…48 Other studies have confirmed that short-time (5 min) sonication will cause shorter CNC size and reduced potential at specific power. 49 Meanwhile, increasing ultrasonic power had no significant effect on the zeta potential (p > 0.05) (Figure 2f). Normally, the reduction of the zeta potential will decrease the repulsion, which leads to smaller pitches.…”

Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Waste Cotton Fibers Using Sulfuric Acid Hydrolysis

“…In fact, during hydrolysis, amorphous regions are preferably attacked by H 3 O + hydrogen ions due to their lower density, while the crystalline regions are not easily hydrolyzed due to their higher resistance to acid. [52] Waste cotton from hospital Ultrasound acid hydrolysis 81.23 [36] Bamboo fiber H 2 SO 4 hydrolysis 86.96 [39] Agricultural waste sugarcane straw H 2 SO 4 hydrolysis 62.66 [54] Waste cotton fibers…”

Application of nanocellulose composites in the environmental engineering: A review

“…The source of CNC extraction is widespread, which includes garlic peel and cloves, Posidonia oceanica, wheat straw, coconut husk fibers, soy hulls, mulberry bark, banana rachis, pineapple leaf, grape skin, bagasse, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse [52]. Various methods are employed for extracting relatively pure CNCs from the cell wall [23,53]. Other methods such as high-intensity ultrasonication of microcrystalline celluloses (MCCs), microwave-assisted hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, steam explosion, chemical pulping, and mechanical pulping (of wood) are also used to produce CNCs [54,55].…”