Extraction and characterization of cellulosic nanocrystals from stems of the reed plant large-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia)

Abstract

Cellulose is the most abundant renewable resource in nature and has many industrial uses because of its promising characteristics. The broad-leaved reed is a plant species of the family Typha latifolia, widespread in arid regions, and has good potential for industrial use. In this study, highly crystalline cellulose microfibers were extracted from the reed stems as a new renewable source. The materials were subjected to a dewaxing process and then the microfibers were extracted using 7% sodium hydroxide, followed by a bleaching process. The extracted cellulose microfibers were distinguished by scanning electron microscopy SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, X-ray diffraction analysis XRD, and thermo-gravimetric analysis TGA. In the retting process, the IR peaks clearly show that there has been a removal of non-fibrous material. Using the X-ray diffraction technique, a crystallinity of 77.8 % with a crystallinity index of 0.521 was observed. The fiber spikes from the SEM images confirm that by increasing the chemical concentration and treatment time, there was more removal of non-fibrous cellulose and fibrillation found. Typha leaves are a rich source of cellulosic fiber tows and these fibers can also be extracted by chemical retting method and they are easily biodegradable and environmentally friendly.