Isolation of Nanocellulose from Pomelo Fruit Fibers by Chemical Treatments

Abstract

This study aims to isolate cellulose nanofibers from locally abundant pomelo fruit. The peels were subjected to alkali treatment (NaOH) with different concentrations and soaking times. Acid hydrolysis was also carried out to obtain an aqueous suspension of nanocellulose. The treated cellulose fibers were characterized by various methods. Alkali treatment was able to remove noncellulosic constituents. Microscopy techniques yielded morphology of elementary fibers with a compact structure with both micro- and nano-scaled fibers. An improved onset of degradation was likely caused by an increase in crystallinity evidenced by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Acid hydrolysis could successfully individualize cellulose nanofibers as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).