Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for micro/nano cellulose that is unique and extracted from native cellulose has gained much attention. Because of its remarkable physical properties, specific surface chemistry, biological properties such as biodegradability and low toxicity, renewability and low CO2 emissions into atmosphere during its life cycle, cellulose has gained much attention as a polymer reinforcement material. This study was conducted on extraction of Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) from waste garment cotton fabric as a source of native cellulose. The study examined the surface morphology and structural properties of MFCs extracted by combination of chemical purification and acid hydrolysis process of cotton fibers. Morphological features (Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) and structural features (Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy); X-ray diffraction (XRD) of MFCs were tested. Morphological characterization clearly showed the formation of three dimensional MFCs with sizes in the range of 5-15 µm (length) and 400-600 nm (diameter). Structural features (FTIR) showed purity in MFCs and most of the impurity components have been removed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that MFCs have a higher degree of crystallinity around 56%. These extracted MFCs have a high potential to be used as micro-reinforcement fillers in bio-composites in industrial applications as value-added products.
Highlights
Nano-cellulose is considered as a novel advanced natural polymer material
The family of micro/nano cellulose can be divided into Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), nano whiskers, Cellulose nano fibrils (NFC), Microfibrilated cellulose (MFC) and Bacterial Cellulose (BC), which is referred to as microbial cellulose
Value added product of MFC was successfully isolated from garment cotton waste material
Summary
Nano-cellulose is considered as a novel advanced natural polymer material. The family of micro/nano cellulose can be divided into Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), nano whiskers, Cellulose nano fibrils (NFC), Microfibrilated cellulose (MFC) and Bacterial Cellulose (BC), which is referred to as microbial cellulose. (Kalia et al, 2009; Dufresne, 2013) These nano scaled elements can be introduced into the polymer matrices and outstanding physical and mechanical properties can be observed. Of these properties, its ability of reinforcement is especially remarkable. The Young’s modulus of native cellulose along the axis gives a value of 167.5 GPa. The experimental analysis of elastic modulus of nano whiskers is 143 GPa (Khalil et al, 2014, Kahawita and Samarasekara, 2016). Larger surface area of about 150 m2/g and high aspect ratio of 70 are significant in nano cellulose (Lee et al.,2014, Cao et al.,2016)
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