Total Crystallinity Index Research Articles

The effect of urea-formaldehyde adhesive modification with diisocyanate-functionalized nanocellulose on the properties of particleboard

In this paper, a nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) functionalized with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) was used as a modifier for urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive in particleboard production. The applied method of NCC functionalization with diisocyanate has not been previously studied in research on wood-based materials. Chemical structure of MDI-NCC evaluated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated some significant changes indicating that the functionalization was effective. No change in crystallinity caused by the modification was noted based on the lateral order index and total crystallinity index. Hydrophilicity of NCC was reduced due to the functionalization with MDI. Based on the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results, it was found that the reactivity of the resin was improved by the addition of NCC, and moreover, the effect was even more noticeable when the MDI-NCC was introduced. Properties of manufactured particleboards such as density, water absorption and formaldehyde content were not affected by the resin reinforcement. In turn, the modification of NCC with MDI allowed to increase the strength and reduce swelling of the particleboards more significantly than in the case of a neat NCC. It indicates that application of diisocyanate-functionalized NCC has great potential for the use as the UF resin modifier in particleboard production.

Effects of Ultrasonication in Water and Isopropyl Alcohol on High-Crystalline Cellulose: A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and X-ray Diffraction Investigation.

This paper investigates the effects of ultrasonication on cellulose microparticles in different conditions. FTIR (Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) analyses were used to compare the changes in the cellulose microstructure caused by the following various ultrasonic treatment conditions: time, amplitude of generated ultrasound waves, output power converted into ultrasound, the liquid medium (water and isopropyl alcohol) used for ultrasonication, and the shape of the vessel used for sonication. The cumulative results lead to an increase in the crystalline region directly proportional to the condition of sonication. Also, the total crystallinity index varied from 1.39 (pristine cellulose) to 1.94 for sonication in alcohol to 0.56 for sonication in water. The crystallinity index varied from 67% (cellulose) to 77% for the sample with 15 min of sonication in isopropyl alcohol and 50.4% for the sample with 15 min of sonication in water.

Enhancing cellulose fiber properties from chromolaena odorata and anana comosus through novel pulping chemical mixtures

The production of cellulose with exceptional properties has led to the modification of chemical pulping methods and the development of newer chemical pulping methods. This study developed mixtures of sodium hydroxide, ethanol, and anthraquinone as new pulping chemicals to produce alpha-cellulose from pineapple leaves and Saim weed stems. The addition of anthraquinone was noticed to influence the pulp yield positively and the FTIR of all the cellulose has the characteristic cellulose bands. Calculated Total crystallinity index (TCI), (Lateral order index) LOI., and Hydrogen bond intensity (HBI) from the FTIR presented PLSHAEC (68.38 %) and SWSHQEC (67.74 %) having high crystallinity. From the XRD, the 2? by all the materials is attributed to cellulose I diffraction, and the crystallinity index aligned with FTIR determined crystallinity. The determined particle average diameter using ImageJ software showed that PLSHQEC 3.00 had the smallest value, followed by 5.17 for PLSHQC, 5.32 for SWSHQEC, and 6.03 for SWSHQEC. From the thermal analysis, the onset of the degradation of all the cellulose occurred at different temperatures: 247.10? (PLSHQC), 253.38? (PLSHQEC), 240.20? (SWSHQC) and 242.58? (SWSHQEC). The increase in yield, higher crystallinity index, and smaller fiber diameter of the cellulose demonstrated anthraquinone as a better additive to produce quality cellulose that would undergo easy chemical modification.

Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on chosen saccharides yield and cellulose structure from fast-growing poplar (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii) wood

The aim of this study was to determine the changes occurring in the wood cellulose of the fast-growing poplar (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii) under the influence of steam explosion (SE) pretreatment. Cellulose from native wood and after pretreatment at 160 and 205 °C was isolated. Cellulose polymerization degree by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and cellulose crystallinity index by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were determined. The profiles of sugars in the native wood and in the solid fraction after pretreatment (using the acid hydrolysis method) were also determined. In addition, the profile of monosaccharides in the liquid fraction obtained after steam explosion and in the liquid fraction after acid hydrolysis of the oligosaccharides were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This allowed to determine the change in the yield of hexoses and pentoses in the studied material.The behavior of cellulose in wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C and isolated by the Kürschner–Hoffer method was studied by determining the absorption bands of FTIR-ATR spectra. The lateral order index (LOI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of the corresponding absorption bands A1422/A896 cm−1. Total crystallinity index (TCI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of absorption bands A1372/A2900 cm−1. TCI of Kürschner-Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C decreased by 5.6 and 5.0%, respectively, with regard to the applied temperature. LOI increased in cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 °C (by 0.7%) and at 205 °C (by 19.2%) in relation to the index of cellulose isolated from native wood. Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C exhibited, respectively, a reduced degree of polymerization of about 11% and about 8%. Polydispersity index in Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose was 1% lower after both pretreatments than native sample.

Extraction and Characterization of Fibres from the Bark of Ficus Nekbudu Tree

This paper investigates the extraction and characterization of fibres from the bark of the ficus nekbudu tree. The Ficus Nekbudu Fibres (FNF) was extracted from the bark by retting in water and then treatment with sodium hydroxide solution. The extracted FNF was analysed for chemical composition, physical, tensile, surface, structural and thermal stability properties. Findings on the chemical composition indicated that FNF has cellulose (49.9 %), lignin (13.4%), ash (7.1%) and water content (8.1%). From the physical investigation it was found that FNF has density (1.42 ± 0.005 g/cm3 ) and moisture regain (9.2 ±0.3%). From mechanical investigation it was found that FNF has tenacity (2.56 ± 0.75 cN/dtex) and extension at break (9.23 ± 2.85%). SEM analysis indicated that FNF has rough surface with some surface impurities. The ATR- FTIR analysis indicates that the FNF has Total Crystallinity Index (TCI) and Lateral Order Index (LOI) of 0.52 and 0.41, respectively. Thermal analysis indicates that the FNF are stable up to 250°C.

Different nanocellulose morphologies (cellulose nanofibers, nanocrystals and nanospheres) extracted from Sunn hemp (Crotalaria Juncea)

Nanocellulose of different morphologies was extracted from Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria Juncea) using acid hydrolysis. The work focused on two objectives: first, to valorize the Sunn Hemp fibers for nanocellulose (NC) production, and second, to study the effects of acid concentration on different morphologies of NC and their properties. The study extracted nanocellulose at five different concentrations of H2SO4: 16 %, 32 %, 48 %, 64 %, and 72 %. Obtained nanocellulose was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). AFM and FE-SEM confirmed the production of three different morphologies of nanocellulose. The NC-32 had a web-like structure typically observed for cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), whereas NC-48 and NC-64 were observed as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with rod-like and needle-like shapes, respectively, and NC-72 displayed spherical particles termed cellulose nanospheres (CNS). The total crystallinity index of NC was calculated using FTIR, and a similar trend of crystallinity was also observed from XRD analysis. NC-32 was obtained with the highest yield of 94.83 %, followed by 91.40 % and 81.70 % for NC-48 and NC-64, respectively, whereas NC-72 yielded the lowest yield of 12.03 %. NC-72 had the highest thermal stability among other NC morphologies.

Investigations on Alkali Treated Modified Fibers of Desert Plant Prosopis juliflora

The development of natural fiber reinforced composite material is increasing at very fast rate due to their eco-friendly and biodegradable nature. NFCs natural fiber reinforced composites have various properties such as low cost, low density, recyclability, renewability and good physical and mechanical strength. NFCs have wide range of applications such as in automobile, sports, aerospace, marine, home appliances and in building construction. In this paper we used prosopis juliflora desert plant fibers as a filler to make biodegradable composites and alkali treatment was done to modification of fiber in order to make high strength composites materials. By using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water absorption tests, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), this paper examines the effects of surface modification on the fibers. By conducting SEM analysis it has been observed that the chemical treatment of fibers can improve adhesion of the composites. Water absorption test concluded that due to the higher porosity and better surface energy of the treated fiber it had a higher rate of water absorption than the untreated fibers. FTIR results concluded that due to more crystalline structure and more ordered structure crystallinity index of the treated fibers increases compared to untreated fibers. FTIR results proves that TCI total crystallinity index and the LOI lateral order index is high for PJ treated fibers as compared to untreated PJ fibers.

Isolation of Nanocellulose by Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Bleached Musa textilis (Abaca) Pulp

Nanocellulose is commonly isolated from cellulosic materials by chemical methods using strong acids. In this study, the enzymatic method was explored to isolate nanocellulose from commercial bleached S 2 grade abaca pulp. It was first disintegrated for 10 min and was subjected to enzyme hydrolysis while incubated with Bacillus sp. cellulase for 72 h at 50 °C and 120 revolutions/min. A clear liquid material was obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis after a series of centrifugation and ultrasonication. Results showed that the isolated nanocellulose had an average particle size of 375.9 nm ± 2.9 with a polydisperse index of 0.404 ± 0.059. Transmission electron and atomic force images showed that nanocellulose was longitudinal in size and highly aggregated and agglomerated. Through FTIR analysis, crystallinity indexes (i.e. lateral order index, total crystallinity index, and hydrogen bond intensity) of bleached abaca pulp and the isolated nanocellulose were compared. Results showed that the enzymatic hydrolysis of bleached abaca pulp resulted in higher cellulose crystallinity. Overall, nanocellulose can be isolated using biological methods using Bacillus sp. cellulase. These results could be used as a baseline to isolate smaller particle sizes, highly monodisperse, and stable nanocellulose that could be further applied in packaging, papermaking, cosmetics, medicine, and numerous other applications.

Investigation of the structural variations of cellulose microcrystals obtained after acid hydrolysis of waste cotton: a statistical approach

The intricate and complex network of inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds in cellulose exerts a significant influence on the overall crystallographic structure of the cellulose polymer. Hence, understanding the hydrogen bonding interactions during cellulose hydrolysis is vital for tailoring the degree of crystallinity of cellulose-based materials like cellulose microcrystals (CMCs). In this study, we used a Box–Behnken statistical tool to optimize the experimental parameters for synthesizing CMCs with a high total crystallinity index (TCI). We then used field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate the morphological, chemical, crystalline, and structural changes that occurred in the CMC sample with the highest TCI. Our results showed that the hydrolysis process modified the hydrogen bonding network in cellulose, which resulted in an enhanced TCI. The changes in hydrogen bonding significantly affected CH bending and stretching absorption, resulting in an increased TCI of the cellulose samples. This increased TCI plays a significant role in enhancing the reinforcing properties of CMCs. Our findings highlight new insights into the role of hydrogen bonding in the TCI of CMCs and could lead to the development of new methods for controlling the TCI of cellulose. Highlights of the article Optimization of the acid hydrolysis process of waste cotton using Box–Behnken design to obtain cellulose microcrystals (CMCs). Extraction of the mathematical model that influences the total crystallinity index of CMCs. Investigation of morphological, chemical, crystalline, and structural changes in CMCs. Comparison of hydrogen bonding network between waste cotton fibers and CMCs. Increased TCI enhances CMCs’ reinforcing properties in composites.

FTIR Analysis of Changes in Chipboard Properties after Pretreatment with Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm

A commercial three-layer particleboard served as model furniture for testing pretreatment with the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm.) over 9-, 12-, 16-, and 20-week periods based on the effects of reducing the enzymatic resistance of component cellulose. The effects of pretreatment were assessed based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the treated particleboards, wherein indexes (peaks and peak ratios) connected with parameters influencing enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis were analysed. The data were analysed in two ways: the measurement of peak heights in both primary spectra and deconvoluted spectra. The peak heights for the determination of the total crystallinity index (TCI) were measured according to narrow and broad baselines. Time and how indexes are calculated were found to be the main factors significantly influencing the values of indexes of pretreatment in most cases. Until week 9, P. ostreatus pretreatment seems to be advantageous for biofuel production, which was illustrated by decreases in the intensity of the 1735 and 1505 cm−1 peaks and A1505/A1735, A1505/A1375, A1505/A1158, and A1505/A896 ratios in addition to a reduction in crystallinity.

Parametrically optimized feather degradation by Bacillus velezensis NCIM 5802 and delineation of keratin hydrolysis by multi-scale analysis for poultry waste management

Enormous amounts of keratinaceous waste make a significant and unexploited protein reserve that can be utilized through bioconversion into high-value products using microbial keratinases. This study was intended to assess the keratinase production from a newly isolated B. velezensis NCIM 5802 that can proficiently hydrolyze chicken feathers. Incubation parameters used to produce keratinase enzyme were optimized through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with chicken feathers as substrate. Optimization elevated the keratinase production and feather degradation by 4.92-folds (109.7 U/mL) and 2.5 folds (95.8%), respectively. Time-course profile revealed a direct correlation among bacterial growth, feather degradation, keratinase production and amino acid generation. Biochemical properties of the keratinase were evaluated, where it showed optimal activity at 60 °C and pH 10.0. The keratinase was inhibited by EDTA and PMSF, indicating it to be a serine–metalloprotease. Zymography revealed the presence of four distinct keratinases (Mr ~ 100, 62.5, 36.5 and 25 kDa) indicating its multiple forms. NMR and mass spectroscopic studies confirmed the presence of 18 free amino acids in the feather hydrolysates. Changes in feather keratin brought about by the keratinase action were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopic (FTIR, Raman) analyses, which showed a decrease in the total crystallinity index (TCI) (1.00–0.63) and confirmed the degradation of its crystalline domain. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the sequential structural changes occurring in the feather keratin during degradation. Present study explored the use of keratinolytic potential of the newly isolated B. velezensis NCIM 5802 in chicken feather degradation and also, unraveled the underlying keratin hydrolysis mechanism through various analyses.

Kombucha Bacterial Cellulose Synthesized by Liquid Fermentation on Black Tea (Camellia sinensis): Effect of the Sucrose

Bacterial cellulose membranes were synthesized by liquid fermentation of the Kombucha strain into black tea (Camellia sinensis) at different concentrations of sucrose. Structural properties of bacterial cellulose Kombucha, such as lateral order index (LOI), total crystallinity index (TCI), hydrogen bond intensity (HBI), fraction (fa), as well as their dependence on sucrose content were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, using different absorption bands of the vibrational spectrum. It was thus observed that sucrose tends to crystallize bacterial cellulose, due to the increase in the total index of crystallinity and lateral order, as well as the fraction (fa), while the index of hydrogen bonds decreased. The addition of organic cocoa (Theobroma cacao) in the culture medium prior to fermentation produced membranes with properties very similar to those prepared only with black tea. Obtaining type I cellulose and crystallization controlled by this process could contribute to obtaining high crystallinity membranes for biomedical and bioelectronic applications.

ATR-FTIR Analysis on Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Bond (C-H) Formation and Carboxyl Content during the Ageing of DC Air Plasma Treated Cotton Cellulose and Its Impact on Hydrophilicity

The surface of the cotton fabric was modified using a Direct current (DC) air plasma treatment and hence enhances its hydrophilicity. The Box-Behnken approach (design expert software) was used to optimise the input process parameters. The sample prepared under optimized condition is subjected to ATR-FTIR and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) studies in order to determine the changes in hydrogen bond energies (EH), Total Crystallinity Index (TCI), Hydrogen Bond Intensity (HBI), Lateral Order Index (LOI), functionalization, lattice parameters (a, b, c & β), degree of crystallinity (in %) and surface etching. The ageing of this sample has been studied by comparing the values of carboxyl content and AC-C/AC-O-C ratio calculated using data extracted from ATR-FTIR spectra of the sample recorded periodically for one month.

Characteristics of fresh rice straw silage quality prepared with addition of lactic acid bacteria and crude cellulase

<abstract> <p>The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of fresh rice straw silage quality prepared with addition of <italic>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</italic> 1A-2 and crude cellulase alone or in combination. Quality of the silage was observed through the chemical composition, chemical structure and <italic>in vitro</italic> digestibility. Six treatments were used in this study, i.e., 1) rice straw without any treatment as control, 2) rice straw with addition of 0.1% <italic>L. plantarum</italic> 1A-2 (LAB1), 3) rice straw with addition of 1% crude cellulase (E1), 4) rice straw with addition of 0.1% <italic>L. plantarum</italic> 1A-2 and 1% cellulase enzyme. (LAB1 E1), 5) rice straw with addition of 2% crude cellulase (E2), 6) rice straw with addition of 0.2% <italic>L. plantarum</italic> 1A-2 and 2% crude cellulase (LAB2E2). Each treatment was replicated by four times (n = 24). Ensilage was carried out for 60 days. Data obtained were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to complete randomized design. The result indicated that the treatments increased dry matter (DM) (p = 0.001), crude protein (p < 0.001) and lactic acid (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, reduced pH (p < 0.001) and organic acids (acetic, propionic and butyric (p < 0.001)). Total crystallinity index (TCI) of rice straw silage varied among treatments and decreased in crystallinity (%) except for LAB2E2, which showed the lowest crystalline size. The treatment increased DM digestibility (p = 0.397) with the highest in LAB2E2. There is significant effect (p < 0.001) on increasing the main SCFA products from <italic>in vitro</italic> rumen fermentation. This study suggests that addition of <italic>L. plantarum</italic> 1A-2 inoculant alone or with crude cellulase improved fresh rice straw silage quality.</p> </abstract>

FTIR INVESTIGATION ON CRYSTALLINITY OF HYDROXYPROPYL METHYL CELLULOSE-BASED POLYMERIC BLENDS

Two series of polymeric blends have been prepared based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)/polyacrylic acid (PAA) (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) and HPMC/sodium alginate (SA) (1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:40) and investigated by Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). IR analysis confirmed the interaction between the polymeric components in the blend and the degree of structural organization. Crystallinity changes in the blends were observed as a function of a number of experimental parameters, such as temperature, composition and HPMC concentration, by determining the quantitative crystallinity indexes: Total Crystallinity Index (TCI), Lateral Order Index (LOI) and Hydrogen Bond Index (HBI).

Preparation of Komagataeibacter xylinus Inoculum for Bacterial Cellulose Biosynthesis Using Magnetically Assisted External-Loop Airlift Bioreactor.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the applicability of a novel magnetically assisted external-loop airlift bioreactor (EL-ALB), equipped with rotating magnetic field (RMF) generators for the preparation of Komagataeibacter xylinus inoculum during three-cycle repeated fed-batch cultures, further used for bacterial cellulose (BC) production. The fermentation carried out in the RMF-assisted EL-ALB allowed to obtain an inoculum of more than 200× higher cellular density compared to classical methods of inoculum preparation. The inoculum obtained in the RMF-assisted EL-ALB was characterized by a high and stable metabolic activity during repeated batch fermentation process. The application of the RMF-assisted EL-ALB for K. xylinus inoculum production did not induce the formation of cellulose-deficient mutants. It was also confirmed that the ability of K. xylinus to produce BC was at the same level (7.26 g/L of dry mass), regardless of inoculum age. Additionally, the BC obtained from the inoculum produced in the RMF-assisted EL-ALB was characterized by reproducible water-related properties, mechanical strength, nano-fibrillar structure and total crystallinity index. The lack of any negative impact of inoculum preparation method using RMF-assisted EL-ALB on BC properties is of paramount value for its future applications, including use as a biomaterial in tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery, where especially BC liquid capacity, nanostructure, crystallinity, and mechanical properties play essential roles.

Comparative evaluation of cellulose nanocrystals from bagasse and coir agro-wastes for reinforcing PVA-based composites.

In order to increase resilience of planters against climate change and bring additional economic benefits, agro-wastes can be exploited for extracting nanocellulose to produce eco-friendly composites. This paper focused on extracting nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse and coir (cocos nucifera) using chemical methods including mercerisation, bleaching and acid hydrolysis. Taguchi Design of Experiment showed that the optimum alkaline treatment conditions of bagasse were at 2 wt% NaOH at 90 °C for 16 h. The morphological changes occurring along each treatment stage were observed using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The differences in the nanoparticles extracted from the two biomass were studied through the determination of crystallinity indexes and particle size. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from coir exhibited a total crystallinity index (TCI) of 1.03 and an average particle size of 137.3 nm while CNCs extracted from sugarcane bagasse under similar treatment conditions had a TCI of 0.85 and an average particle size of around 48 µm. Dynamic Light Scattering findings showed risks of agglomeration after freeze drying. Bio-nanocomposite films with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as matrix were manufactured by the solvent casting process. The highest tensile strength (38.2 MPa) was obtained for CNCs extracted from coir at a CNC/PVA loading of 0.5 wt%, representing a 96.9% increase in the tensile strength as compared to the unreinforced PVA matrix. This study showed that sugarcane bagasse and coir are suitable sources of nanocellulose and can be used to prepare bio-composites with considerably high tensile strengths.

An FTIR and X‐ray diffraction study of the crystal phase transition in isotactic polybutene‐1

The nature of crystal transformation in the industrially important polyolefin isotactic polybutene-1 (iPB-1) with excellent mechanical properties has not been well understood. We investigated the crystal structure transition of iPB-1 via wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) after crystallization at 78°C from the melt at 200°C. The total crystallinity index based on the WAXD results and the evolutions of form I and form II according to FTIR spectroscopy were analyzed. It was found that the total crystallinity increases with the transition time, and the time to detect the initiation of the form I is about 20 h but the time for the initiation of the decrease in the form II content is about 50 h. The result indicates that the increase of the crystallinity during the transition originates from the direct formation of the form I rather than the transformation of the form II. These results provide valuable insight into the structure evolution of the iPB-1 crystal phase transition.

Cellulose-based hydrogel beads: Preparation and characterization

Biopolymer-based hydrogel beads possessing intrinsic low-toxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability have gained widespread utility in several applications. Among the biopolymers, cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable biomaterials. Herein cellulose hydrogel beads have been prepared by dissolving cellulose in 68% ZnCl2 solution and then crosslinking the polymer chains through calcium ions. The water and ethanol washing of the beads profoundly influences the beads architecture as characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. The total crystallinity index of the beads increases with the amount of calcium ions that is further enhanced by water washing. These beads, possessing a layer-like nanoporous structure, are capable of loading bovine serum albumin (BSA) and releasing in a sustained manner. The outcome promises a large-scale production of cellulose beads having the potential to be eco-friendly and inexpensive delivery carriers in food, pharmaceutical, medical and agriculture applications.

Functional modification of cellulose by chitosan and gamma radiation for higher grafting of UV protective natural chromophores

This study demonstrated a green functionalization process of a cellulose substrate by combining the chitosan treatment and gamma radiation. To impart the UV protection characteristics in the cellulosic structure, natural chromophores derived from Banana floral stem (BFS) was grafted in the functionalized cellulose surface. Phytochemical screening was performed to confirm the types of UV protective natural chromophores (UVPNCs) presented in BFS. The result exhibited the presence of condensed tannin, flavonoids, anthocyanin, betacyanin, and anthraquinone as the major UVPNC components in BFS. The optimum conditions for maximum sorption of UVPNCs into the functionalized cellulose matrix were recorded at 80°C for 60 min. The cationic biopolymer chitosan (2 g/L), different gamma absorbs doses (2, 4, and 6 kGy), and combined chitosan and gamma treatment into cellulose resulted around 15–23%, 44%, and 41–64% improved absorption of UVPNCs, respectively, as demonstrated by the change in color strength (K/S) compared to unmodified cellulose matrix. The concurrent treatments greatly improved the total crystallinity index (TCI), hydrogen bond intensity (HBI), hydrogen bonding energy (EH), hydrogen bonding distance (R) and asymmetric factor (AF) from 1.358 to 1.363, 0.971 to 0.988, 27.15 kJ–27.40 kJ (at 3274 cm−1), 2.766 Å to 2.764 Å (at 3274 cm−1) and 0.47 to 0.10, respectively. For gamma treatment, 6 kGy irradiation dose provided the best result for improved molecular orientation of cellulose and in combination of chitosan the substrate attained a maximum K/S of 1.98 after UVPNCs grafting. It was found that the UV protection factor (UPF) rating has a linear relationship with the UVPNCs absorption (K/S) and a maximum four-fold increase in UPF (165–506) was evident. The excellent bonding durability of the UVPNCs grafted samples was further ensured in terms of several colorfastness properties. This sustainable functionalization of cellulose with high UPF offers a great promise for applications in health care and photodegradation protection.