6 - Agricultural crop residue as a source for the production of cellulose nanofibrils

Abstract

Lignocellulosic agricultural byproducts such as stalks, stems, straws, hulls, and cobs which all vary slightly in composition are a copious and cheap source for cellulose fibers. Agro-based biofibers have the composition, properties, and structure that make them suitable for uses such as composite, textile, pulp, and paper manufacture. These waste materials now attract increasing attention as an abundantly available and cheap renewable feedstock for cellulose based material, chemicals, and biofuels production. In countries with limited resources in woody fibers, agricultural residue can be used as a starting material to produce highly valuable cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). This new class of nanosized fibrils has been receiving increased attention due to the broad possibility of usefulness of CNF in wide range of applications including, nanocomposites, papermaking, packaging, and environmental remediation among others. The nanoscale dimensions of CNF, its biodegradable character, cost effectiveness, high aspect ratio, safety to use, and sustainability constitute an impetus for this increasing interest. In this chapter, a review of the recent advances in the realm of the production of CNF from agricultural residue is discussed. Given the large classes of agricultural residue likely to be generated over the world, the focus is mainly accorded to the most available residues, i.e., rice straw, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, cassava bagasse, and banana plant waste.