Extraction and Characterization of Nanocellulose Structures from Linter Dissolving Pulp Using Ultrafine Grinder

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are advanced nanomaterials with diverse applications.
• Efficient and sustainable extraction methods are crucial for CNF production.
• Linter dissolving pulp is a potential source for CNF extraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extract CNFs from Linter dissolving pulp.
• To characterize the morphology, structure, and properties of extracted CNFs.
• To evaluate a simple and environmentally friendly physical extraction method.

Main Methods:

• Refining pretreatment coupled with an ultrafine grinder.
• Characterization using Optical Microscopy (OM), SEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, and TG analysis.

Main Results:

• Extracted CNFs had diameters ranging from 30-70 nm.
• FTIR spectra confirmed the preservation of the cellulose structure.
• Crystallinity decreased from 79.5% in Linter pulp to 62% in CNFs.
• Thermal decomposition temperature decreased from 280°C for pulp to 240°C for CNFs.

Conclusions:

• A simple and eco-friendly physical method effectively produced CNFs from Linter pulp.
• The method preserved the fundamental cellulose structure.
• The study provides insights into the properties of CNFs derived from Linter pulp.