Abstract
The objective of this work was to extract sugar bagasse cellulose nanofibres by using three different processes, namely: mechanical fibrillation, bleaching and mild acid hydrolysis. Cellulose nano-fibres with diameters in the nano range and estimated lengths of several micrometers were obtained from SB. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the removal of hemicellulose and lignin components by alkali/bleaching and acid hydrolysis. XRD results showed an increase in crystalline which resulted from the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, especially after mercerization and mild acid hydrolysis. Moreover, the extracted cellulose nanofibres were used to reinforce poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). PEO was dissolved in water and mixing with the cellulose nanofibres suspension followed by casting. The nanocomposites were characterized by using FTIR analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-Ray diffractometry and tensile tester. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was enhanced depending on the treatment of the SB fibres.
Highlights
In the past years, cellulose nanofibres (CNF) garnered much interest as one of the reinforcements of various polymeric materials
Cellulosic fibres consist of mostly cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin
Hemicellulose and lignin serve as the cementing layer of cellulose microfibrils
Summary
Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) garnered much interest as one of the reinforcements of various polymeric materials. C. Mokhena from variety of cellulose-containing sources like jute, flax, ramie, and hemp and by-products of agricultural crops via various methods. Mokhena from variety of cellulose-containing sources like jute, flax, ramie, and hemp and by-products of agricultural crops via various methods It is web-like network of cellulose fibrils composed of the amorphous and crystalline domains [2] [3]. There are two processing routes adopted to extract cellulose nanofibres from various sources, namely: mechanical and chemical routes [4] [5] These treatments may be used individually or in combination depending on the quality and dimensions of the product
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