Influence of Strong Acid Hydrolysis Processing on the Thermal Stability and Crystallinity of Cellulose Isolated from Wheat Straw

Chemar J Huntley,Mohamed A Abdalla,Michael L Curry,Kristy D Crews,Albert E Russell

doi:10.1155/2015/658163

Chemar J Huntley, Mohamed A Abdalla + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/658163

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Abstract

Cellulose extractions from wheat straw via hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric acid hydrolysis methods were carried out. X-ray diffraction spectral analyses reveal that depending on the acid conditions used the structure of the cellulose exhibited a mixture of polymorphs (i.e., CI and CIII cellulose phases). In addition, the percent crystallinity, diameter, and length of the cellulose fibers varied tremendously as determined by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Thermal gravimetric analysis measurements revealed that the thermal stability of the extracted cellulose varied as a function of the acid strength and conditions used. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the aggregation of cellulose fibers during the drying process is strongly dependent upon the drying process and strength of the acids used.

Highlights

Interest in the biodegradability of natural products for use in the production of green electronics and alternative transportation fuels has rapidly increased over the years with a special focus on crystalline cellulose-based composites
In this study, we have demonstrated the effect of various strong acids on the polymeric, structural, and thermal properties of cellulose extracted from wheat straw
Based on cellulose extracted using three different acid hydrolysis methods (HCl, HNO3, and H2SO4), it was found that cellulose particles with similar sizes and crystallinity were obtained

Summary

Introduction

Interest in the biodegradability of natural products for use in the production of green electronics and alternative transportation fuels has rapidly increased over the years with a special focus on crystalline cellulose-based composites. Given the abundance of agricultural waste generated globally, using these products as biomass sources for cellulose extraction is conceivable. In addition to adding to the sources of cellulose for usage in green technology and in alternative fuel production this process could lead to an avenue for reducing the amount of environmental waste generated in landfills. Wheat straw is an agricultural waste that is generated by the ton globally each year and, due to its food chain exemption, would make an excellent biomass source for extraction of cellulosic materials. CI is the most abundant phase and the most sought after due to its optimal elastic properties [3]

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