Cellulose nanocrystals from agricultural resources: Extraction and functionalisation

Abstract

During the early nineteens, enhanced concern towards “biodegradable materials” and “green chemistry,” along with the significant advancements in nanotechnology, coerce scientists and scholars to ferret out an alternative biomaterial. Prolonged rummage to the alternate biomaterial leads to the discovery of nanoparticles from cellulose as cellulose nanocrystal composites. Various cellulosic sources yield nano cellulosic derivatives after various pretreatment and extraction procedures, including acid hydrolysis, micro grinding, cryocrushing, electron spinning, and centrifugal spinning. Agricultural resources like cotton, wheat, garlic, ramie, switchgrass, and curaua for cellulose nanocrystal composites extraction of varying properties; hence are applicable for distinct functions. Extraction from agricultural resources adds more profit and advancement in the agricultural sector. Pure cellulose nanocrystal composite possesses a mechanical strength of 7000 MPa, a young modulus of 100–140 GPa, and 250–500 m 2 /g surface area. The vulnerability of cellulose nanocrystal composites towards moisture due to alcoholic group nullifies by the modification and grafting processes which yield functionalized cellulose nanocrystal composites. Functionalized cellulose nanocrystal composites find applications in various fields, including biomedicine, catalysis, electronics, and laboratories. The review summarises the extraction procedure of cellulose nanocrystal composites from agricultural resources and functionalization methodologies, facilitating cellulose nanocrystal composite's prospective implementation.