Isolation and Characterization of Fractionated Cellulose from Madhuca indica

Abstract

The present study proposes valorization of Mahua (Madhuca indica) seed cake for the isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to provide a sustainable and low-cost precursor material to produce nano biomaterials aiming a sustainable conversion of waste material to value-added products. The raw material was subjected to bleaching and alkali treatment to obtain cellulose, followed by acid hydrolysis for the isolation of CNC. The resultant nanocrystals were characterized for structural changes using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). FTIR results showed progressive removal of non-cellulosic components such as hemicellulose and lignin. This rendered CNCs with a 35 % yield along with higher crystallinity index of 85 % as determined by XRD. Thermo gravimetric analysis revealed that isolated CNCs have higher thermal stability (> 200 °C). SEM images showed that the CNCs exhibit ultrafine microfibers like structures.