Maize Husk Research Articles

Evaluation of antidiabetic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of maize (zea mays l.) husk leaf extracts.

In current study, Maize (Zea mays L.) husk leave extracts were appraised for biological activities such as cytotoxicity, antidiabetic, antioxidant and antimicrobial. Maceration was performed to collect various fractions of husk leave extracts using a pool of solvents i.e., n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and methanol. Antioxidant potential was measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, reducing power and linoleic acid oxidation assay, using butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as a positive control. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be 18.47-425.11 mg/100 g GAE and 5.83-16.72 mg/100 g CE, respectively. The DPPH scavenging assay was exhibited in the range of 76.36 to 88.53%. The percentage inhibition in linoleic acid oxidation was found from 10.16 to 79.51%. Significant antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by husk leaf extracts against bacterial strains and fungal strains using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Amylase alpha assay was employed to analyze the antidiabetic activity which ranged between 9.52-24.81%. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by % age lysis (0.35-9.54%), while thrombolytic activity ranged between 7.67 to 31.27%. The results presented in this study revealed that maize (Zea mays L.) husk leaf extracts can be a valuable source of biologically active compounds and may be consumed as a source of potent herbal medicine in pharmaceuticals.

BIOMASS POWER CRITICAL TOOL IN FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE

This work carried out the comparative analysis of briquettes produced from commonly found agricultural wastes product (Maize husk and millet husk) in order to have the maximum utility of the materials. The briquettes are produced based on ratio of 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50.While 100:0 (unblended) was used as control for each biomass. 25 % starch paste was used as binder to have a homogenous solution. The briquettes were produced using a simple extruder briquetting machine. The proximate analysis of the raw samples shows that the moisture content of the respective biomass has increased by two fold of the briquettes sample produced and the ash content is less while the briquettes have very high volatile matter which enhance combustion and give briquettes more quality as fuel. Higher ratios of blended briquettes of maize husk have a good flame propagation, high density, ignite faster and produced small amount of ash content after combustion. Hardness, compressive strength and combustibility test of the briquettes produced ascertained all these properties. In conclusion, maize husk briquettes give a better briquettes quality compared to millet husk briquettes.

Physico-mechanical properties of cement bonded ceiling board developed from teak and African locust bean tree wood residue

Abstract Over the years, the pursuit for locally sourced economical and environmentally safe materials has been on the increase in the development of composite boards. These locally sourced materials are organic materials from plants and livestock such as wood residue, feathers, rice husk, maize husk and bamboo fiber. Therefore, this study utilizes species of wood residue in the development composite ceiling boards. Ceiling boards were developed from teak and African locust bean tree wood residue using cement as a binder. The ceiling boards were made by varying the composite mass of the mix and mixing ratio of wood dust to cement. A constant load of 5 kN was used for the compaction process using a hydraulic pressing machine. Physico-mechanical properties of the ceiling boards such as moisture content, density, water absorption, drying shrinkage, tensile strength, and compressive strength were evaluated. The percentage of moisture content were 9.50 and 14.50% for teak and African locust bean tree wood dust, respectively. The values of density varied from 0.56 − 0.68 g/cm3. The water absorption ranged from 9.0 to 39.8% after 24 h immersion and drying shrinkage ranged from 8.60 to 35%. The maximum impact energy obtained is 98 J. The highest tensile, compressive and flexural strengths for the ceiling boards were 1.09, 0.82, and 0.56 MPa, respectively. The composite samples showed that ceiling boards made from teak wood dust is most suitable for interior use. Cement was found to be suitable as a binder for the development of ceiling boards.

Biosurfactant quality generated from fungi using agro-wastes (maize husk, rice husk, and augarcane bagasse)

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic compound that contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties produced extracellularly by microorganism on cell surface or excreted extracellularly thereby reducing surface and interfacial tension between molecules at the surface and interface, respectively. This study was aimed on the isolation and identification of biosurfactant producing fungi; the production of biosurfactants from the identified fungi in a submerged fermentation using sugarcane bagasse, rice husk and maize husk as carbon sources and the evaluation of quality of biosurfactants generated. The biosurfactant production was assayed for 21 days with constant agitation for at most four times daily in an incubator (300C). The emulsification ability of the biosurfactant produced was analyzed on two hydrocarbons: diesel and kerosene. In diesel, the emulsification index (EI) showed highest in biosurfactant produced by Aspergillus niger in Rice Husk (BAR) after 72 hours (E72) (80.30±0.30%) and lowest in biosurfactant produced by Fusarum oxysporum in sugarcane bagasse after 24 hours (E24) (BFS) (33.43±0.10%). In kerosene, the highest emulsification index was observed in biosurfactant produced by Fusarum oxysporum in Maize Husk (BFM) E72 (94.25±0.25%) and lowest in biosurfactant produced by Fusarum oxysporum in sugarcane bagasse (BFS) E48 (52.53±0.10%). Therefore, comparing the biosurfactants produced by Fusarum oxysporum and Aspergillus niger, Fusarum oxysporum exhibited more emulsification ability than Aspergillus niger. The result of EI showed that Maize Husk and Rice Husk are good substrates for biosurfactant production while Fusarum oxysporum is the better biosurfactant producing fungi. In comparing the hydrocarbons, more emulsion was noticed in diesel than kerosene. The result of oil spreading assay with spent engine oil showed that biosurfactants produced by Fusarum oxysporum grown on Rice Husk had the highest area of displacement (13.88±0.01cm2) while biosurfactant produced by Aspergillus niger grown on Sugarcane Bagasse showed the least area of displacement (4.91±0.00cm2). The carbon sources used in this work are good for the production of biosurfactant. Upscaling of the process will yield biosurfactants applicable in industries.

Comparative study of biogas production from cocoa pod, maize husk, orange peels, pineapple peels, and coconut fiber co-digested with yeast

The demand and cost of domestic energy in Nigeria are on the increase, primarily due to the increasing human population and demand. This is compounded by desertification, increasing the cost of electricity, industrialization, lack of alternative such as solar, wind and nuclear energy.This study was conducted in crop science laboratory Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City to compare the potential of biogas produced from anaerobic co-digestion of coconut fibre, cocoa pods, maize husk, orange peels, pineapple peels and yeast and to determine the effect of pH and retention time on biogas yield. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates using a set of five batch reactors. The digesters were labeled A, B, C, D and E respectively. Digester A consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of coconut fibre, digester B consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of cocoa pods, digester C consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of maize husk, digester D consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of orange peels and digester E consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of pineapple peels. The pH was determined before corking the reactors. The results showed significant differences among the different substrate for biogas yield and methane component. Biodegradability of the different substrate, quality and retention time significantly affected the biogas yield in the five digesters. Digester loaded with maize husk produced significantly higher volume of biogas and methane component compared with other substrate. Increase in biogas yield for maize husk of 4g was 23.33ml with methane component of 61.78% for the 10 days hydraulic retention time. The retention time of 4, 5, 6 and 8 days significantly produced the highest volume of biogas. Based on these findings, for obtaining optimum biogas yield, maize husk and yeast blend could be a rich source of renewable energy option and would help arrest ecological disaster in addition to control of deforestation.

Comparative Study of Biogas Production from Cocoa Pod, Maize Husk, Orange Peels, Pineapple Peels and Coconut Fiber Co-Digested with Yeast

Background: The demand and cost of domestic energy in Nigeria are on the increase, primarily due to the increasing human population and demand. This is compounded by desertification, increasing the cost of electricity, industrialization, lack of alternative such as solar, wind and nuclear energy.This study was conducted to compare the potential of biogas produced from anaerobic co-digestion of coconut fibre, cocoa pods, maize husk, orange peels, pineapple peels and yeast and to determine the effect of pH and retention time on biogas yield. Methods: During the experiment, five batch reactors/digesters were used. The digesters were labeled A,B,C,D, E and each replicated three times. Digester A consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of coconut fibre, digester B consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of cocoa pods, digester C consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of maize husk, digester D consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of orange peels and digester E consist of 2g of yeast, 4g of pineapple peels. The pH was determined before corking the reactors. Result: The results showed significant differences among the different substrate for biogas yield and methane component. Biodegradability of the different substrate, quality and retention time significantly affected the biogas yield in the five digesters. Digester loaded with maize husk produced significantly higher volume of biogas and methane component compared with other substrate. Increase in biogas yield for maize husk of 4g was 23.33ml with methane component of 61.78% for the 10 days hydraulic retention time. The retention time of 4, 5, 6 and 8 days significantly produced the highest volume of biogas in the other digesters. Based on the findings, maize husk and yeast blend could be a rich source of renewable energy option and would help arrest ecological disaster in addition to control of deforestation.

Surface Modification of Powdered Maize Husk with Sodium Hydroxide for Enhanced Adsorption of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution

The impact of sodium hydroxide pretreatment of maize husk on its lead ion removal efficiency was investigated. Pretreatment of maize husk with this alkali increased its surface area and porosity from 528.74 m2/g and 0.477 cm3/g to 721.54 m2/g and 0.642 cm3/g, respectively. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of initial pH, adsorbent dose, initial lead ion concentration, initial solution temperature, and contact time on the adsorption process. The maximum removal efficiency of maize husk at pH 5 and adsorbent dose 2 g/L was 62.85 %, which increased to 82.84 % after pretreatment and was attained in 15 min. The adsorption data for the natural and pretreated maize husk were best fitted in the Freundlich isotherm model, with their adsorption intensity (n) having values >1, which indicated that lead ion adsorption onto the adsorbent types was a favorable physical process. The adsorption of lead ions onto the adsorbents followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The experimental adsorption capacities of maize husk (31.43 mg/g) and its modified form (41.22 mg/g) were very close to those obtained from this model (31.03 mg/g and 40.65 mg/g respectively). The ΔH and ΔG values of the adsorption process showed that the adsorption of lead ions by both adsorbents was an endothermic process and occurred spontaneously. Alkali pretreated maize husk can therefore be used as a cheap adsorbent to remove lead ions from aqueous solution.

THE SOIL MOISTURE RETENTION PATTERN OF SOME SELECTED OF ORGANIC MEDIA UNDER A GREENHOUSE STRUCTURE

This research aimed to investigate the soil moisture retention of some selected organic media for growing cucumber plant. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse structure and moisture content of each of the organic media was determined by a calibrated moisture meter, which was taken before and after the irrigation. The water application was uniform, using a drip irrigation kit for potted system with a capacity of 75cl storage each for the treatments. The pH values of each of the organic media used shows moderate alkalinity. The mean and sample variance of the moisture retention pattern for each of the media gave; saw dust (3.61, 0.073), maize husk (3.41, 0.044), rice husk (3.92, 0.034), eucalyptus leaves (3.27, 0.021), sawdust + soil (2.76, 0.0416), maize husk + soil (2.94, 0.153), rice husk + soil (3.88, 0.069), eucalyptus leaves + soil (2.76, 0.041), eucalyptus leaves + soil unsterilized (3.77, 0.074), and sandy loamy (23.345, 0.009). Moisture retention pattern of the selected media show high moisture retention in sandy loam while other media show a low moisture retention in approximately ratio 6:1, the sample variance shows small variance indicating how the data point spread out. It can be assumed that low retention could be as a result of the presence of fibre or coarse particles given room for large pore spaces that allows easy moisture drain from the organic media. It can also be deduced from the results that maize husk is least suitable for growing purposes because of unsteady moisture retention pattern.

Synthesis and characterization of nanocellulose using renewable resources through Ionic liquid medium

Wood and agricultural bio-residues are the main natural sources of cellulose available on the earth. Cellulose is the world’s most abundant biopolymer in nature and possesses properties such as low cost, high strength, good biocompatibility and good thermal stability by chemical treatment. In the present work, nanocellulose was obtained from native rubber wood powder, maize husk and sugar cane bagasse. Cellulose was obtained after bleaching with sodium chlorite and alkali treatment by NaOH to remove lignin and hemicellulose. Obtained cellulose is treated with ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim] Cl)) solvent. The chemical functionality and its characterisation were observed by FTIR, XRD, TGA/DTA, SEM and TEM. FTIR spectra reveal the functional groups and significant conversion of cellulose to nanocellulose. XRD exhibits the crystalline or semicrystalline nature. TGA/DTA showed the thermal stability. SEM and TEM monographs depict the surface topology and size of the nanocellulose.

Genetic dissection of husk number and length across multiple environments and fine-mapping of a major-effect QTL for husk number in maize (Zea mays L.)

Husk number (HN) and husk length (HL) influence the mechanical harvesting of maize grain. We investigated the genetic basis of HN and HL using a population of 204 recombinant inbred lines phenotypically evaluated in five environments. The two husk traits showed broad phenotypic variation and high heritability. Nine stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified by single-environment mapping, comprising four QTL for HN and five for HL, and three QTL explained >10% of the phenotypic variation. Joint mapping revealed 22 additive QTL and 46 epistatic QTL. Both additive and epistatic (additive × additive) effects as well as a few large-effect QTL and some minor-effect QTL appeared to contribute to the genetic architecture of HN and HL. The QTL for HN located on chromosome 7, qHN7, which accounted for ~20% of phenotypic variation, was detected in all five environments. qHN7 was fine-mapped to a 721.1 kb physical region based on the maize B73 RefGen_v3 genome assembly. Within this interval, four genes associated with plant growth and development were selected as candidate genes. The results will be useful for improvement of maize husk traits by molecular breeding and provide a basis for the cloning of qHN7.

Cellulase modified waste biomass to remove sulfamethazine from aqueous solutions

The objective of this work is to find a simple and environmentally friendly way to prepare high efficiency adsorbent from maize stover by cellulase. The characteristics of the original maize cob (MC), maize husk (MH), maize straw (MS), and its cellulase modified form (MMC, MMH and MMS) were detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Batch adsorption experiments indicated that the adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption capacity of sulfamethazine (SMT) to adsorbents was in order of MMC > MMS > MMH > MC > MS > MH. The adsorption isotherm data of SMT on original materials were consistent with Freundlich models, while Henry models were more suitable for the modified materials. The adsorption was affected by pH and ionic strength which demonstrated the interaction between π-π EDA and H bonds might be an important factor in the adsorption of SMT on maize stover. The results of FTIR and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis further demonstrated that oxhydryl and aromatic structures in the modified maize stover could interact with SMT via H bonds and π-π EDA interaction, respectively. This work provides a green way to remove SMT from aqueous solution, and new insights into the mechanisms of adsorption of SMT on stover materials.

Nutritional composition of maize husk silage generated from solid state fermentation by Trichoderma viride UP01

Nutritional composition of maize husk silage generated from solid state fermentation by Trichoderma viride UP01

A Study on Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Composite Developed Using Corn Husk and Glass Fibre

With the increasing demand for the disposal of polymer wastes and environmental waste from agriculture/ farming, this research aims to develop composite materials by using glass fibre and corn husk fibres by hand lay-up technique. The fibre from the maize husk was extracted and then overlapped on glass fibre cloth films in regular or irregular orientations. The reinforcement is done with the epoxy resin. The reinforcement and harden matrix are subjected to compressive load. The composite thus developed is then evaluated for the mechanical properties such as hardness and impact test to analyse the strength of the developed composite. It is found that at a load of 60 kgf, the composite exhibited the hardness value of 83RB and the impact strength was found to be around 50,000 KJ/m2.

Adsorption of Cu onto Maize Husk Lignocellulose in Single and Binary Cu-Zn Solution Systems: Equilibrium, Isotherm, Kinetic, Thermodynamic and Mechanistic Studies

Adsorption of Cu onto maize husk in single and Cu-Zn binary aqueous solutions was compared. Equilibrium adsorption studies showed that Cu in the single solution system packed vertically on the surface of the adsorbent but penetrated into the porous network of the adsorbent in the binary solution system. Data from the isotherm studies in the single and binary systems were well fitted in the Freundlich model, with linear regression correlation coefficient values (R2) 0.764 and 0.994 respectively. The n values from this model indicated that Cu ions were chemisorbed on the adsorbent in the two solution systems but formed stronger bonds in the binary solution. Adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for Cu in the single solution was 1.21 mg/g but increased to 1.63 mg/g, 1.67 mg/g and 1.84 mg/g in the 2:1, 2:2 and 1:2 Cu:Zn binary solutions respectively. Adsorption of Cu in all the solution systems were spontaneous, with the 1:2 binary solution been the most energy efficient system. Selectivity of Cu ions in the equimolar Cu:Zn binary solution was synergistic. The marked reduction in the percentage content of calcium and potassium on the adsorbent when it was contacted with the Zn and Cu-Zn solutions showed that these elements were exchanged with Cu and Zn on the adsorbent matrix. Shift in absorption band at the R–OH functional group on the adsorbents in all the studied solution systems showed that complexation of metal ions occurred at these points. The disappearance of the carboxylic acid –OH absorption band on the husk in the Cu ion solution system was an indication that an additional adsorption site was involved in the complexation of Cu on the adsorbent. The findings from this study showed that using maize husk as adsorbent, copper adsorption is more enhanced in the presence of zinc ions in binary solutions of the two heavy metals.

Studies on the Effect of Low Glycemic Index for Multi-Whole Grain Formulated Flour Samples in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Different types of corns are used as staple food in Bangladesh, core source of nutrients from food stuffs for metabolic energy. Ready to eat or processed food stuffs that contains totally different macro and micronutrients such as Tocopherol , Thiamine , Riboflavin , Pyroxene, Mg and Zn etc. within the recipes for sample preparation, were incorporated different whole grains of wheat, wheat bran, rye, maize, soya, barley, chickpeas and plantain husk in numerous ratios. Developed flours were subjected to nutritionally active diet for diabetic patients, the extent of glucose when consumption of diets could be an essential issue. Protein, fat, crude fiber and energy values of developed multi grains combined and market flours were MFS- 1: (11.00%, 3.77%, 2.69%, 387.25); MFS- 2:(14.16%, 3.71%,3.21%, 385.73); MFS-3:(12.40%, 3.33%, 2.87%,385.24);MFS- 4: (11.31%, 2.16%, 2.45%, 382.83) and market flour samples CS-A: (12.04%, 2.05%,1.64%,358.37) and CS-B:(14.90%,2.06%,1.46%,350.82) respectively. Amongst, MFS- 3 sample resulted the preferences in hedonic sensory evaluation. Glycemic index (GI) resolved mistreatment normal methodology for MFS-3 and normal sugar. The GI worth of MFS- 3 sample (46.86) showed lowest postprandial aldohexose like compared to plain. once the analysis of all four mixed recipes compared to market samples, it showed that MFS- 3sample possessed the simplest preferences because the different useful diet for type- 2 diabetic patients. Aims of the analysis works were recipe preparation of samples, product acceptances and determination of Glycemic Index (GI) for four mixed multi-wholegrain flours compared with 2 market multi-grain flours within the market.

Linkage mapping combined with association analysis reveals QTL and candidate genes for three husk traits in maize.

Key message Combined linkage and association mapping analyses facilitate the emphasis on the candidate genes putatively involved in maize husk growth. The maize (Zea mays L.) husk consists of multiple leafy layers and plays important roles in protecting the ear from pathogen infection and in preventing grain dehydration. Although husk morphology varies widely among different maize inbred lines, the genetic basis of such variation is poorly understood. In this study, we used three maize recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations to dissect the genetic basis of three husk traits: i.e., husk length (HL), husk width (HW), and the number of husk layers (HN). Three husk traits in all three RIL populations showed wide phenotypic variation and high heritability. The HL showed stronger correlations with ear traits than did HW and HN. A total of 21 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for the three traits in three RIL populations, and some of them were commonly observed for the same trait in different populations. The proportions of total phenotypic variation explained by QTL in three RIL populations were 31.8, 35.3, and 44.5% for HL, HW, and HN, respectively. The highest proportions of phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL were 14.7% for HL in the By815/K22 RIL population (BYK), 13.5% for HW in the By815/DE3 RIL population (BYD), and 19.4% for HN in the BYD population. A combined analysis of linkage mapping with a previous genome-wide association study revealed five candidate genes related to husk morphology situated within three QTL loci. These five genes were related to metabolism, gene expression regulation, and signal transduction.

Availability and Suitability of Agroindustrial Residues as Feedstock for Cellulose-Based Materials: Brazil Case Study

Bio-based polymers have emerged as a feasible alternative to petrochemical polymers mainly due to their biodegradability and renewable feedstock. Brazil is considered one of the largest producers of agricultural commodities. Hence, the country is also distinguished by the large generation of this residue type, which can be potentially used as a source to obtain biopolymers, such as cellulose. Based on the Brazil agriculture market, the study aims to analyze the suitability of agroindustrial residues as raw material for cellulose-based materials. A methodology for the selection of the most suitable residues is proposed, which takes into account the chemical composition of residues, namely the cellulose content and the cellulose-to-lignin ratio, as well as, their availability. In order to meet conservation issues, the availability of residues is calculated as a function of sustainable removal rates and competitive uses. Taking as reference the main crops identified, the average amount of agroindustrial residues available in Brazil was estimated at 108 million tons/year. Among the most suitable residues to be used as cellulose feedstock are soybean straw, sugarcane top/leaves, maize husk and stover and sugarcane bagasse.

Stabilization of Lateritic Soil Admixed with Maize Husk Ash

Lateritic soil is one of the major construction materials in road pavement. However, obtaining lateritic soil with sufficient strength is difficult, which may necessitate its improvement by stabilization. Lateritic soil, in this study, was stabilized with upto 12% Maize Husk Ash (MHA) by weight of soil samples, with a view of improving its geotechnical properties and assessing it as subbase materials. Classification tests (particle size analysis, specific gravity, Atterbergs limits) and strength index tests (compaction, california bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compression test (UCS) were performed on both the natural and the MHA-stabilized soil samples. The grain size analysis shows that the percentage passing No. 200 BS sieve was 47.7% for the natural lateritic soil and between 50 and 62.1% for MHA stabilized lateritic soil. The liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index are in the range of 61 to 76%, 28 to 53% and 16 to 37% respectively. Also, the maximum dry densities increased, while the optimum water content decreased with increase in the MHA content. The CBR value of the lateritic soil increased with MHA content up till 6% addition of MHA and thereafter decreased, while higher UCS value was obtained up till 3% and then decreased with increasing content of MHA. The results indicated that the MHA stabilized lateritic soil could only be used as subgrade and fill materials.

Production of Biogas from Co-Digestion of Cow Dung, Saw Dust and Maize Husk

The co-digestion of cow dung, with maize husk for biogas production at laboratory scale was investigated. The study was carried out at a temperature range of 24°C - 30°C and pH range of 5.5 - 6.5 for a period of 60 days with a total solid concentration of 7.4% in the digester sample (fermentation slurry). Water displacement method was used to collect the biogas produced which was subsequently measured. 444.8 mL was the cumulative biogas yield at the end of 60 days retention time in the digester 1, which comprised of cow dung, maize husk, and water. Digester 2, which is made up of sawdust, cow dung, and water produced negligible biogas at the end of 60 days of the experiment. X-RF analysis revealed high presence of elements like silica, aluminium oxides, and aluminium oxides in cow dung, maize husk, and sawdust respectively. The preponderance of alkanes and methyl group inmaize husk makes it to produce biogas compared to saw dust as shown by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) that was carried out to identify the various functional groups. The potential of maize husk to produced biogas was also established. The kinetic modeling shows that there was an increase in biogas yield as the retention time increases as depicted by the linear model.

Extraction and process analysis of high aspect ratio cellulose nanocrystals from corn (Zea mays) agricultural residue

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have long been an interest of researchers because of their exceptional mechanical properties as well as being sourced from natural, inexpensive, and renewable materials. In this work, maize CNCs (m-CNC) were obtained from maize (Zea mays) husk, which is an agricultural residue. This material is a common waste product from agricultural production in different parts of the world, and of potential value if CNCs with advantageous properties are extracted from them. Maize husk is a major agricultural waste in the United States and is used for erosion prevention or to produce insulating materials, paper, and other chemicals. Dried materials were alkali treated, bleached, and hydrolyzed to CNCs using sulfuric acid. The extracted CNCs were found to have a length of 940±70nm and width of 6±2nm, high aspect ratio of approximately 157, and increase the Young’s modulus of natural rubber composites from 0.89±0.15MPa to 1.98±0.73MPa with the addition of 2wt% m-CNCs. Other characterization techniques employed in this study are dynamic light scattering (DLS), conductometry, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical transmittance. Maize husks provided high aspect ratio cellulose Iβ CNCs, similar to tunicate CNCs, but with much lower processing required. Therefore, m-CNCs are more cost effective as shown by an economic evaluation. This study could provide assistance for producing CNC from one of the world’s largest supply of agricultural waste.