One-Pot Extraction of Biodegradable Functionalized Microcrystalline Cellulose From Jute Stubble Fiber: A Sustainable...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Agricultural waste valorization is key to a circular bioeconomy.
• Jute stubble fibers are abundant lignocellulosic byproducts.
• Developing high-performance biopolymers from waste is crucial for sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate functionalized microcrystalline cellulose (F-MCC) from jute stubble fibers.
• To develop a one-pot oxidative technique for simultaneous extraction and functionalization.
• To optimize the oxidation process for enhanced cellulose properties.

Main Methods:

• Alkaline pretreatment of jute fibers.
• One-pot oxidative treatment using ammonium persulfate (APS) at varying durations (10-22 h).
• Characterization of F-MCC using techniques to assess crystallinity, surface chemistry, and morphology.

Main Results:

• APS oxidation introduced carboxyl groups and enhanced fibrillation.
• Optimal oxidation duration of 18 hours yielded F-MCC with 88.3% crystallinity.
• F-MCC exhibited improved thermal stability (>200 °C degradation) and biodegradability (>95% mass loss in 38 days).

Conclusions:

• The one-pot APS oxidation is an effective strategy for producing value-added F-MCC from agricultural waste.
• The resulting F-MCC possesses enhanced properties suitable for reinforcing composites and eco-friendly materials.
• This approach advances sustainable material development and waste-to-wealth initiatives.