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Isolation and Characterization of Nanocellulose from Polypodiophyta Fern Using Chemo-Mechanical Method
Katja Vasić1, Monika Dokl1, Željko Knez1,2
1Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Ferns were used to isolate nanocellulose via a chemo-mechanical process. This sustainable biomaterial shows excellent properties and thermal stability, making it ideal for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Nanocellulose is a sustainable biomaterial with desirable properties for various industries.
- Efficient and eco-friendly production methods for nanocellulose are in high demand.
- Ferns (class Polypodiopsida) have not been previously explored for nanocellulose isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of isolating nanocellulose from ferns using a chemo-mechanical method.
- To analyze the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of fern-derived nanocellulose.
- To optimize nanocellulose extraction by varying chemical treatment durations.
Main Methods:
- Chemo-mechanical isolation of cellulose fibers from ferns.
- Mechanical fibrillation through grinding.
- Chemical treatments including alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis, with varied durations.
- Characterization using SEM, EDS, FT-IR, DLS, and TGA/DSC.
Main Results:
- Fern-derived nanocellulose was successfully isolated with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 600 nm.
- Optimized treatment (NC3) yielded consistent nanocellulose sizes (20-60 nm).
- FT-IR confirmed cellulose presence and absence of lignin/hemicellulose; EDS verified elemental purity.
- TGA/DSC showed enhanced thermal stability of nanocellulose compared to untreated fern material.
Conclusions:
- Ferns are a viable source for producing sustainable nanocellulose.
- The chemo-mechanical method yields nanocellulose with desirable properties for industrial use.
- Fern-derived nanocellulose exhibits improved thermal stability and purity.
