Extraction and characterization of bio-based polymeric materials from traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka

W G A Pabasara,L Karunanayake,D A S Amarasinghe,A M P B Samarasekara,M P A Nanayakkara

doi:10.4038/tar.v30i2.8308

W G A Pabasara, L Karunanayake + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v30i2.8308

Copy DOI

Abstract

Introduction of sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for petroleum chemical-based polymers have become one of the most challenging areas of research. Hence, this study addresses the issue by suggesting a more convenient approach to isolate a bio-based polymer cellulose using rice straw as the source of extraction. This study attempts to extract high purity cellulose from the most abundantly cultivated traditional rice varieties namely, Suwandel and Raththal. A three-step chemical purification process, namely dewaxing, delignification, hemicellulose and silica removal was used in this study. The accuracy of the extraction method was verified by utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, a morphological study of extracted cellulose was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that Suwandel and Raththal varieties could produce approximately 35% and 25% of cellulose yield, respectively. This study formulated a sustainable approach of replacing synthetic polymer materials with plant-based substance.

Highlights

Polymers play a major role as a highly advantageous material in a wide variety of engineering applications throughout past decades (Rösler et al, 2007;Egodage et al, 2017a; Samarasekara et al, 2014)
It has been predicted that if the current production and waste management trends continue, by 2050 approximately 12,000 metric tons of Polymeric materials will be accumulated in landfills and the natural environment (Geyer et al, 2017)
It is estimated that approximately 800 gigatons (GT) of rice straw is generated in Sri Lanka per year (National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka, 2018)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Polymers play a major role as a highly advantageous material in a wide variety of engineering applications throughout past decades (Rösler et al, 2007;Egodage et al, 2017a; Samarasekara et al, 2014). Researchers have been able to introduce a new type of materials known as bio-based polymers made from substances extracted from biological substances (Horikoshi et al ,2005) These materials have the potential to replace synthetically derived polymers while exhibiting superior properties. It is estimated that approximately 800 gigatons (GT) of rice straw is generated in Sri Lanka per year (National Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka, 2018) Regardless of this large amount and the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka to incorporate straw to the soil, farmers have found the best way of eliminating this waste as open field burning.

METHODOLOGY

Characterization Methods

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION