Α-cellulose Content Research Articles

Durability Evaluation of Outdoor Scrimbers Fabricated from Superheated Steam-Treated Bamboo Fibrous Mats

With natural texture and high performance, bamboo scrimber is one of the artificial lignocellulosic composites widely used in construction, furniture and other structural applications. However, it is vulnerable to the actions of water, ultraviolet radiation and fungus, which affect its durability, especially in the open. Here, bamboo was treated with superheated steam in an attempt to improve the durability of bamboo scrimbers. The chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional stability, aging resistance, decay resistance and anti-mildew properties were investigated at different temperatures (160~200 °C). After superheated steam treatment, the relative contents of holocellulose and α-cellulose in bamboo decreased. The bending strength and short-beam shearing strength slightly decreased as the temperature was raised while the modulus was essentially retained. The aging resistance in terms of thickness swelling rate (≤9.38%) was substantially improved. The decay resistance reached to the level of Grade I and can be dramatically enhanced by elevating temperature. The anti-mildew properties were also improved. To take together, superheated steam treatment remarkably improves the resistance of bamboo scrimbers to water, ultraviolet radiation, rot fungi and mildew with some concomitant reduction in mechanical properties. The results will permit outdoor construction using bamboo scrimbers more resistant to environmental damage.

Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Properties of Six Bamboo from Sumatera Island Indonesia and Its Potential Applications for Composite Materials.

The suitability of bamboo's basic characteristics is very important for more specific purposes, such as composite raw materials. Anatomical, physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics are some of bamboo's fundamental characteristics. This study analyses the basic properties, such as physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of bamboo from the Forest Area with Special Purpose (FASP) Pondok Buluh Sumatera Island, Indonesia (I); analyses the relationship between the properties of each type of bamboo (II); and chooses the type of bamboo with the best properties that have the potential to be applied to composite materials, such as laminated bamboo (III). This study used materials consisting of six species of bamboo from the FASP Pondok Buluh. The manufacture of physical and mechanical test samples refers to the ISO 22157 standard, 2004, while the chemical properties test refers to the TAPPI 1999 standard. The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of bamboo vary widely among species. The lowest holocellulose and α-cellulose content were found in the Kuning Bamboo (B. vulgaris var. vittata). The content of holocellulose and α-cellulose causes the lowest density in Kuning Bamboo (B. vulgaris var. vittata). The Dasar Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) has the highest levels of lignin. The substances have an impact on moisture content, T/R ratio, and shear strength. The Dasar Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) has the lowest moisture content, the highest T/R ratio, and the highest shear strength. However, Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) has the highest density in this study. The compressive strength of the Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) has the highest value. Therefore, Betung bamboo and Dasar Bamboo in this study were potentially utilized for composite materials, such as laminated bamboo.

Bark composition changes along the trunk of three softwood species: Picea abies, Abies alba Mill. and Pseudotsuga menziesii

ABSTRACT In the context of global warning, sustainable development, bioeconomy and circular economy, it is of great interest to find better valorizations of by-products of the wood processing industry. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of the longitudinal position on the stem and of the silviculture on bark chemical composition of three softwood species used in wood industry. Bark was sampled at three different heights (top, middle and bottom) on the trunk of four trees of Picea abies, Abies alba and Pseudotsuga menziesii grown under different silvicultural treatments and subjected to analytical procedures to determine holocellulose, lignin, suberin, hemicelluloses, α-cellulose, ash and extractives contents. Contents of the different polymers tend in general to decrease slightly with tree height, while extractives content increased with height. These results were explained by higher amount of outer bark at the bottom of the trunk containing more polymerized materials and more unpolymerized free sugars in the young tissues at the top of trunk. The effect of the silvicultural treatment has been more difficult to characterize. Chemical composition of the bark differs slightly according to the position of sampling along the trunk. Suberin content is particularly important at the bottom of P. menziesii trees.

Assessment of Electrothermal Pretreatment of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Peels for Producing Cellulose Fibers.

Agroindustrial wastes are renewable sources and the most promising sustainable alternative to lignocellulosic biomass for cellulose production. This study assessed the electrothermal pretreatment of rambutan peel (RP) for producing cellulose fibers. The pretreatment was carried out by Ohmic heating at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:10 (w/v) in a water/ethanol (1:1, v/v) mixture as the electrical transmission medium at 60 ± 1 °C for different holding times (15, 30, and 60 min). Ohmic heating did not significantly influence the total fiber yield for the various holding times. However, the compositions of the samples in terms of extractives, lignin, hemicellulose, and α-cellulose content were significantly influenced. In addition, the electrothermal pretreatment method reduced the bleaching time of RP by 25%. The pretreated fibers were thermally stable up to 240 °C. Ohmic heating pretreatment times of 15 and 30 min were found most promising, reducing the required bleaching chemicals and increasing the α-cellulose yield. The pretreated bleached cellulose fibers had similar properties to nontreated bleached fibers and could be efficiently processed into stable gels of strong shear-thinning behavior with potential application as rheology modifiers in food products. Our results demonstrate that rambutan peel could serve as a promising sustainable alternative to woody biomass for cellulose production. Ohmic heating meets the requirements for industrial applications as it is eco-friendly, improves the efficiency and energy consumption in fiber processing, and could as well be included in the processing of similar food wastes.

Characterization of a thermostable alkaline feruloyl esterase from Alternaria alternata and its synergism in dissolving pulp production

Feruloyl esterases are of great interest due to their enhancement of the accessibility of xylanase to the backbone of xylan by debranching the side chain decoration of hemicellulose. Alternaria alternata is known for its ability to secrete abundant xylanolytic enzymes, but the pathogenicity greatly limits the production of feruloyl esterase. Herein, we first cloned the thermostable alkaline faeB gene of A. alternata and successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. The recombinant AaFAEB was purified to homogeneity and the specific activity of purified AaFAEB was 18.39 ± 0.26 U/mg. The optimal temperature and pH for AaFAEB was about 45 °C and 7.0. The recombinant AaFAEB showed excellent thermal stability at 45–60 °C and can retain 71.31% of the maximum activity after incubation for 1 h at 60 °C. In addition, it exhibits broad pH stability and can retain approximately 68% of its maximum activity at pH 10.0 for 2 h. The substrate specificity profiling and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that AaFAEB is a type B FAE. Pretreatment by AaFAEB can synergistically promote the enhancement of the Fock reactivity of dissolving pulp by endoglucanase. In addition, it can increase the α-cellulose content by the cooperation with xylanase, thereby further improving the quality of dissolving pulp. The present results suggested that the recombinant AaFAEB is a promising candidate for dissolving pulp production and biorefining industry.

Structural characterization of the stem cell wall lignin of <i>Euterpe oleracea</i>

This paper aimed to characterize the lignin in the cell wall of Euterpe oleracea Mart. Samples from two regions of the base of the palm were acquired: outer and inner regions (OR and IR, respectively). The extraction with organic solvents and the treatment with 1% NaOH were carried out. Holocellulose, α-cellulose and lignin content were quantified, the latter also isolated by the Björkman method for the structural characterization using 1H and 13C NMR in the liquid state, as well as spectroscopic (FTIR) and chromatographic analysis. The extracted stem had 10.33% (OR) and 15.66% (IR) of the lignin. After the treatment with 1% NaOH, a reduction in these values was observed, and it was also possible to confirm this result through the decrease in the intensities of the signals referring to the functional groups linked to lignin and hemicellulose. The spectroscopic and chromatographic analyzes revealed GS-type lignin incorporated with p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acid in both samples. The main structural units present in the lignin were also observed, such as β-O-4 bond, β-O-4’ ϒ-acetyl bond, guaiacyl unit, syringyl unit and p-hydroxybenzoate.

Variation of Chemical Properties, Crystalline Structure and Calorific Values of Native Malaysian Bamboo Species

The chemical properties of four common Malaysian bamboo species locally known as Beting (Gigantochloa levis), Semantan (Gigantochloa scortechinii), Lemang (Schizostachyum brachyladum) and Akar (Bambusa vulgaris) were studied. Chemical analysis shows that the alkaline extractive content for Malaysian bamboo species studied was within 24.4% to 25.6%, ethanol-toluene extractive content for Malaysian bamboo species was within 4.0% to 7.2% and water extractive content was within 10.4% to 12.8%. The average value of holocellulose content for Malaysian bamboo was between 64.5% to 70.67%, Klason lignin within 25.3% to 28.4%, cellulose content was between 28.5% to 33.8% and α-cellulose content for all bamboo species was within the range of 40.7% to 47.9%. The crystallinity of bamboo samples was between 42.0 to 44.4%, indicating their semi-crystalline structure. Heating value of bamboo ranged between 17.0 MJ/kg to 18.1 MJ/kg with G. scortechinii having the highest heating value.. The Inductive Couple Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-ES) analysis showed that Potassium (K) and Calcium (C) were the major elements in the ash of all bamboo samples. This study demonstrates the potential of native bamboo species as an alternative sustainable raw material to wood for a wide range of applications.

Optimization of subcritical water pre-treatment for biogas enhancement on co-digestion of pineapple waste and cow dung using the response surface methodology

The optimal pre-treatment method and conditions depend on the types of lignocellulose present due to the complexity and the variability of biomass chemical structures. This study optimized subcritical water pre-treatment to ensure maximum methane production from pineapple waste prior to anaerobic co-digestion with cow dung using the response surface methodology. A central composite design was achieved with three different factors and one response. A total of 20 pre-treatment runs were performed at different temperatures, reaction times and water to solid ratios suggesting optimum values for subcritical water pre-treatment at 128.52℃ for 5 min with 5.67 to 1 water to solid ratio. Under these conditions, methane yield increased from 59.09 to 85.05 mL CH4/g VS with an increase of 23% biogas yield and 44% methane yield from the untreated. All pre-treatments above 200℃ showed reductions in biogas yield. Compositional analysis showed slight reduction of lignin and increase in α-cellulose content after the pre-treatment. Analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis verified the presence of cellulosic material in pre-treated pineapple waste. Most of the hemicellulose was solubilized in the liquid samples after SCW pre-treatment. The crystallinity index of pineapple waste was reduced from 57.58% (untreated) to 54.29% (pre-treated). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the structural modification of pre-treated pineapple waste for better microbial attack. Subcritical water pre-treatment is feasible as a promising method to enhance the anaerobic co-digestion process. Further study should be conducted to assess the scale-up of the process from pre-treatment to anaerobic digestion at the pilot plant level.

Chemical Composition and Bioactive Antioxidants Obtained by Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Cyperus esculentus L. By-products: A Valorization Approach.

Tiger nut is highly appreciated in the Mediterranean basin by the large number of nutritional advantages offered by a beverage, called “horchata,” which is directly obtained from the tuber of Cyperus esculentus L. However, the current tiger nut harvesting and processing practices generate a large number of residues, mainly a solid by-product after processing and the plant that remains spread out in the fields. In this work the plant residues have been fully characterized to get a clear picture of the possibilities for its valorization to generate products with high added value. Several analytical techniques have been applied to obtain data to assess the real possibilities of these residues in advanced applications in the food, packaging and nutrition sectors. Results on the compositional and elemental analysis, monosaccharide composition, phenolic concentration, and antioxidant capacity were obtained from the dry powder (DP). The high content of α-cellulose (47.2 ± 1.8%) in DP could open new possibilities for these residues as raw material in the production of cellulose nanoentities. Many essential minerals with nutritional interest (Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) and free sugars (xylose, arabinose, glucose, and galacturonic acid) were identified in the DP making it an interesting source of valuable nutrients. The total carbohydrate content was 171 ± 31 mg gdm–1. In addition, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was used to obtain extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used, and the optimal extraction conditions predicted by the model were 80°C, 18 min, ethanol concentration 40% (v/v), and solvent volume 77 mL, showing an extraction yield of 2.27 ± 0.09%, TPC value was 136 ± 3 mgGAE 100 gdm–1 and antioxidant capacity by the ABTS method was 8.41 ± 0.09 μmoltrolox gdm–1. Other assays (FRAP and DPPH) were also tested, confirming the high antioxidant capacity of DP extracts. Some polyphenols were identified and quantified: p-coumaric (7.67 ± 0.16 mg 100 gdm–1), ferulic (4.07 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1), sinapinic (0.50 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1) and cinnamic acids (1.10 ± 0.03 mg 100 gdm–1), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1.28 ± 0.06 mg 100 gdm–1), luteolin (1.03 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1), and naringenin (0.60 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1). It can be concluded that C. esculentus L. residues obtained from the tiger nut harvesting and horchata processing could be an important source of high value compounds with potential uses in different industrial sectors, while limiting the environmental hazards associated with the current agricultural practices.

Analysis of Cellulose and Cellulose Acetate Production Stages from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) and Its Application to Bioplastics

AbstractOil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) is a type of solid waste from the palm oil processing industry. The components of OPEFB include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. OPEFB has a large cellulose content, so it possesses the potential to be used as a bioplastic material. The purpose of this research was to examine the stages of the bioplastics' production process and its characterization. The cellulose content of OPEFB as raw material and during the isolation process which includes hydrolysis, delignification, pulping, and bleaching are 39.59%, 56.00%, 59.85%, 61.48%, and 68.20%, respectively. Cellulose isolation produces α-cellulose content of 97.87%. The resulting cellulose acetate has an acetyl content of 25.93%. The bioplastics were then characterized to determine the effect of cellulose acetate, starch, chitosan, and glycerol on the physical and mechanical properties of the plastics. The results of the physical properties characterization include biodegradability, water absorption, and density with values of 78.73%, 38.26%, and 1.2% respectively. The results of the mechanical properties characterization include tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity with values of 0.729 MPa, 4.13%, and 17.5 MPa, respectively. The functional groups in the bioplastics, which are O-H, C-H, C-O, C=O, and N-H, are produced from the mixing process between cellulose acetate, starch, chitosan, and glycerol.

Assessment of Natural Cellulosic Powder from Pepper Pericarp Waste (Piper nigrum L.) after Alkalization and Bleaching Treatment: Effect of Alkali Concentration and Treatment Cycle

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) pericarp is an agriculture waste in the production of white pepper. It is underutilised agro-industrial waste which could be a promising natural source of cellulose. Hence, finding an optimum way to remove the non cellulose components without degrading the cellulose structure is essential. In this work, the effects of alkaline concentration (4, 5, and 6% NaOH) and number of soaking cycle (3 & 4 cycles) on the characteristics of cellulose from pepper pericarp were investigated. The obtained cellulose powder was characterized for its yield, α-cellulose content, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, whiteness index, crystallinity degree and thermal stability. The white powder cellulose after 4th cycle treatment with 4% NaOH appeared to have the highest yield (23.63%), α-cellulose (65.97%), crystallinity structure (51%) and better thermal stability at 334 °C. FTIR spectrum at band around 1732 cm-1 indicates a partial removal of non-cellulosic material at all alkalization condition due to the presence of remaining lignin and hemicellulose. These may contribute to formation of negative surface charge on all cellulose samples which may potentially enhance the functionality of the material as emulsifier. Based on two-way ANOVA test, concentration and cycle of alkaline treatment significantly (p<0.05) influenced the yield, particle size and zeta potential, meanwhile α-cellulose significantly influence by NaOH concentration only (p<0.05). The findings showed that manipulating the synthesis condition of cellulose powder influenced its properties which could be further used in various applications.

Investigation of the chemical profiles of seven wood species for their potential applications

ABSTRACT Determination of the chemical composition of biomaterial is important for their valued utilization in biorefinery. In this study, the chemical composition of seven wood species, i.e. lambu (Khaya anthotheca), raj-koroi (Albizia richardiana), jhau (Casuarina equisetifolia), sil-koroi (Albizia procera), katbadam (Terminalia catappa), jolpai (Elaeocarpus robustus), and arjun (Terminalia arjuna) were examined. The chemical characterization of these wood species can expedite a further study on the extraction of cellulose, lignin, and extractive. α-cellulose content was in the range of 37.0% to 42.1% and lignin content was 20.4% to 34.1%. The solubility in 1% caustic soda was 16.1% to 24.3%. The α-cellulose and lignin content were similar to other wood species. Therefore, these species can be a potential source of raw material for biorefinery.

Effect of altitude on polysaccharide and lignin contents of brutian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) wood and kraft pulp

This study investigated the chemical properties of Brutian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) wood samples collected at altitudes of 800 m, 900 m, and 1000 m and the behaviors of the chemical components of the same materials during kraft pulping. Chemical component analysis indicated that the wood and pulp sample from 1000 m contained higher quantities of holocellulose and α-cellulose, and a lower quantity of lignin. For both wood and pulp samples, a continuous increase in holocellulose and α-cellulose contents and a continuous decrease in lignin content were observed with increasing altitude. Gas chromatography analysis of monosaccharides determined that the highest cellulose and hemicellulose contents were obtained from the wood and pulp sample from 1000 m. Quantity of these components increased with increasing altitude. Lastly, kraft pulping degraded 14.10-15.70% of cellulose, 56.49-61.35% of galactoglucomannan, 65.75-69.61% of arabinoglucoronoxylan, and 92.42-93.48% of lignin in the samples.

Investigation of the potentiality of five bamboo species in biorefinery through analysis of chemical profiles

Determination of the chemical composition of biomaterial is important for their valued utilization in biorefinery. In this study, the chemical composition of five bamboo species, i.e., mitinga (Bambusa tulda), borak (Bambusa balcooa), rengoon (Thyrsostachys oliveri), orah (Dendrocalamus longispathus), and bajja (Bambusa vulgaris) were determined. The chemical characterization of these bamboo species can expedite a further study on the extraction of cellulose and lignin. α-cellulose content was in the range of 42.7–45.7% and Klason lignin content was 22.4–28.2%. The ash content was 1.8–4.3% for the studied five bamboo species. The α-cellulose and lignin content were similar to other non-timber spices. The ash content was lower than other non-timber species. Therefore, these species can be a potential source of raw material for biorefinery.

Development and Characterization of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Flour-Based Biopolymer Films Reinforced with Plantain Fibers.

Agroindustrial wastes are a cheap and abundant source of natural fibers and macromolecules that can be used in the manufacturing of biocomposites. This study presents the development and thermo-mechanical characterization of a bio-composite film (TPF/PF), made of thermoplastic banana flour (TPF) matrix and plantain fibers (PF). Fabricated materials were characterized by physical analysis, chemical composition, Fourier-transformed spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TGA), mechanical analysis, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The physical analysis showed that TPF and PF have a low density and high affinity to water resulting in a lightweight, renewable, and biodegradable TPF/PF composite. The chemical composition and spectra analysis of the fiber showed that PF is a potential candidate for reinforcing composites due to its high α-cellulose and low lignin content. The thermal analysis determined that TPF degrades at a lower temperature than PF, therefore the matrix sets the processing temperature for TPF/PF composite films. The mechanical test showed an improvement in the tensile properties of the composite in comparison to neat TPF. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus were improved by 345% and 1196%, respectively, when PF fibers was used. Good bonding and mechanical interlocking of PF to the TPF were identified by SEM. Therefore, potential biocomposites can be developed using natural fibers and thermoplastic starches obtained from plantain agroindustrial wastes.

Preparing prehydrolyzed kraft dissolving pulp via phosphotungstic acid prehydrolysis from grape branches

Dissolving pulp was successfully prepared via phosphotungstic acid (PTA) prehydrolysis kraft (PHK) cooking followed by an elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching process from grape branches. The effects of prehydrolysis temperature, reaction time, and PTA concentration that potentially affect the quality of dissolving pulp product on chemical components of pulp were studied via an orthogonal experiment. The structure of lignin was activated during the PTA prehydrolysis phase, and lignin was easily removed during the following cooking process. Thus, relatively mild conditions (140°C, 100 min) can be used in the cooking process. During the prehydrolysis phase, temperature exhibited the most significant influence on the cellulose purity of the obtained pulp fiber, followed by reaction time and PTA concentration. The optimized prehydrolysis conditions were as follows: prehydrolysis temperature, 145°C; reaction time, 75 min; and PTA concentration, 1 wt%. Whether the excessively high prehydrolysis temperature or prolonging the reaction time did not favor the retention of long chain cellulose, the delignification selectivity for the cooking process could not be further improved by excessive PTA loading. Under these prehydrolysis conditions, 94.1% and 29.0% for α-cellulose content and total yield could be achieved after the given cooking and bleaching conditions, respectively. Moreover, the chemical structure and crystal form of cellulose were scarcely changed after PTA prehydrolysis, which could be confirmed by results from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). PTA prehydrolysis could be considered as an alternative method for preparing PHK dissolving pulp under relatively mild cooking conditions.

Development of dissolving pulp from Phyllostachys pubescens stem by prehydrolysis soda cooking with 2-methylanthraquinone

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is a non-wood and non-edible biorefinery resource and is extremely important for the development of dissolving pulp as a material of regenerated cellulose fiber. However, the bamboo contains a high amount of xylan compared to hardwoods. This study aimed at finding suitable conditions for producing dissolving pulp of good quality from the moso bamboo stem using a combination of prehydrolysis non-sulfur alkali cooking and elemental chlorine-free bleaching, and separating a lignin product from the black liquor in the cooking process. Prehydrolysis at 150 °C for 7 h using soda cooking at 160 °C for 3 h with 28% active alkali and 0.06% 2-methylanthraquinone was found to give a good outcome. The xylan content of the pulp was reduced to 4.0%, and further treatment of cold caustic extraction to remove xylan was not required for producing dissolving pulp of good quality, although the pulp yield was approximately 30%. The pulp was then bleached to obtain a dissolving pulp with α-cellulose content of 95.0%, brightness of 89.9%, and viscosity of 8.8 mPa·s. Lignin dissolved in the soda cooking black liquor was easily precipitated by CO2 when employed with 35% of solid concentration and provided a yield of 42%. The precipitation by CO2 followed by purification at pH 2.9 provided a lignin product with weight-average molecular weight, polydispersity, and ash content of 1566, 2.62, and 0.6%, respectively.

Tobacco stalk lignocellulosic nanofibers characterization for pharmaceutical applications

Lignocellulosic nanofibers derived from tobacco stalk can have countless applications in polymers composites, textile, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Thus, it is important to evaluate biomass characteristics such as the presence of nicotine. In this study, nanofibers were obtained by mechanical fibrillation while cellulose content (0.5 and 2.0%) and drying methods were varied. Nanofibers were characterized by thin layer chromatography, 1H NMR, morphological analysis, α-cellulose content, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Results demonstrate the absence of nicotine in tobacco stalk. The grinding mill process was efficient to produce by freeze-drying, nanofibers with fiber’s mean diameter of ~30 nm. Solid concentrations can influence the diameter of obtained fibers. Thermal stability increased and crystallinity decreased when alkali treatment was applied. The characterization techniques applied enable the evaluation of tobacco stalk and expanded its application to pharmaceutics.

Multi-response optimization of cellulose fiber isolation from tapioca solid waste and its characteristics

The tapioca-based starch industry produces solid waste in abundance that has not been used optimally, especially the cellulose fraction. This study aimed to optimize the H2O2 concentration and the process temperature of cellulose fiber isolation from tapioca solid waste. Statistical regression modeling and optimization of H2O2 concentration and process temperature using the response surface methodology. A central composite design (CCD) was applied for experimental design and analysis of the effect of H2O2 concentration and process temperature on multi-response characteristics of cellulose, consisting of whiteness index (WI), yield, and α-cellulose content. Cellulose fibers were characterized, including surface morphology, crystallinity degree, and thermal stability. The results showed that the H2O2 concentration and process temperature were significantly affected by WI, yield, and α-cellulose content. The maximum WI, yield, and α-cellulose content were 63.99%, 65.73% (w/w), and 78.31% (w/w), respectively, obtained from H2O2 concentration of 22.62% (v/v) and process temperature of 93.51ºC. This cellulose has a relatively coarse fiber formation, with a high degree of crystallinity and thermal stability. Thus, cellulose from TSW might have a potential to be applied in broader fields.

Extraction and characterization of novel Sterculia foetida fruit shell fibre for composite applications

The novel Sterculia foetida fruit shell fibres were extracted by following a traditional method of water retting. The fibres were found to be lignocellulosic, comprising around 14.28 ± 0.2% of lignin in it. Its α-cellulose and hemicellulose contents were measured to be 45.44 ± 0.2% and 27.27 ± 0.2%, respectively, which are in a favorable range of textile fibres. The novel fibre exhibits good tensile strength and low extensibility, which can be used for making ropes, yarns, sacs, textile fabrics, composite materials, etc. Resin-based fibre reinforced composites were prepared with the fibres as reinforcement and compared with conventional jute fibre reinforced composites. It was observed that Sterculia foetida fruit shell fibre-based composites showed breaking stress, breaking elongation, and E-Modulus 16.912 MPa, 2.767% and 1011.67 MPa, respectively, which are comparable with the jute fibre-based composites (19.38 MPa, 2.23%, and 1017.33 MPa, respectively).