Isolation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofiber Obtained From Agriculture Waste

Abstract

Background: The fibers of date palm [DPFs] were used as a raw material to isolate cellulose nanofibers [CNFs] to assess their potential as reinforcements of composite materials in producing Bioplastic. The isolation of Nano cellulose [NCs] from DPF is still lacking, and the authors are not aware of any previous publication concerning the isolation of NCs from DPF. Objective: The date palm has huge potential in the application as a reinforcement agent to manufacture bio-nano composites and can be considered a renewable source of nanofibers with an etymology to agro-waste. Method: High-purity cellulose nanofibers were isolated from DPFs through an environmentally friendly treatment process that combined chemical [alkali & bleaching] and mechanical [ball milling]. Results: A high yield of CNFs was successfully extracted, with 50% CNFs from overall DPFs. Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] results revealed the effects of isolation treatments on fiber morphology and showed long, loose nanofiber bundles with 8–100 nm in diameter. FTIR results showed that noncellulosic components were effectively removed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the improved crystallinity of the processed fibers with a high crystalline index of 69.78%. Conclusion: TGA results showed an enhancement in the thermal properties of the nanofibers. The removal of hemicellulose and lignin increased the crystallinity of the fibers, and the extracted CNFs were used in the synthesis of Bioplastic by using glycerol as a plasticizer and corn starch as a matrix using the casting method. The feasibility study proved that NC production is feasible in Oman and was successfully yielding cellulose nanofibers with potential in advanced applications. The availability of raw materials is sufficient to sustain the plan with a total capital investment of OMR 9,694,127, an operating cost of OMR 10,058,976, and a total annual net profit of OMR 2,235,445.926 which shows an ROI of 23%/year with a payback period of 4.34 years.