Characterization of extracted bio-nano particles from date palm agro-residues

Abstract

Mechanical downsizing of waste lignocellulosic fibers to small-size particles is a promising way to produce efficient reinforcing elements for bio-composites, both from commercial and environmental perspectives. This study specifically aims to make nano-sized lignocellulosic fillers from date palm agro-residues using a mechanical ball milling technique supplemented with liquid Nitrogen. The researchers aimed to obtain efficient reinforcing elements for bio-composites by fragmenting and downsizing waste lignocellulosic fibers. Several tests were conducted to evaluate and characterize the fillers' properties. The morphological analysis using TEM and FE-SEM showed that the microparticles had irregularly shaped particles with sizes ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 μm for micro-untreated particles and 0.22–0.32 μm for micro-treated particles. The nanoparticles had smaller particle sizes, with nano-untreated particles ranging from 80 to 122 nm and nano-treated particles ranging from 32 to 55 nm. XRD analysis revealed a boost in crystallinity due to the treatment process; (45 %) for micro-treated and (67 %) for nano-treated. TGA analysis indicated that the chemically treated fillers contributed to the improved thermal stability of the samples. Specifically, MT showed the best thermal stability due to increased crystallinity and stronger binding among the cellulose chains than that of NT.