Production of cellulose nanocrystals from agricultural waste

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 50 views

Optimization of Hydrolysis Temperature and Sulfuric Acid Concentration in Manufacturing Nanosellulose Made from Kepok Banana Stem Fiber (Musa acuminata x balbisiana)

Introduction

The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials has led to the exploration of various natural resources as potential sources of cellulose nanocrystals (NCCs). In Indonesia, banana stems are a common agricultural waste that is often discarded, despite their potential for cellulose nanocrystal production. This study aims to determine the optimal conditions for hydrolysis temperature and sulfuric acid concentration in NCC isolation from Kepok banana stem fibers, with the goal of achieving high yield values, crystallinity, water detention capacity (WHC), water soluble substances, and drying shrinkage.

Background

Cellulose nanocrystals (NCCs) are a form of cellulose crystal that has a nano size and is shaped like a stick or needle. They are typically isolated from plant fibers or biomass containing cellulose. The use of NCCs has gained significant attention in various industrial applications, including as additional materials in composites, pharmacy, and the food industry. However, the production of NCCs from agricultural waste, such as banana stems, is still in its infancy.

Materials and Methods

The NCC isolation process in this study begins with delignification of fiber using NaOH at 80 ° C for 5 minutes. After that, the bleaching process was carried out with H2O2 for 30 minutes, which was done twice. Furthermore, cellulose fibers are hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 1 hour in hydrolysis variations (thidrolisis) 45, 50, 55, and 60 ° C, as well as variations in the concentration of sulfuric acid (CH2SO4) which is 40, 45, 50, and 55% . After the hydrolysis process, the reaction is stopped by adding aquadest at 4 ° C. The resulting suspension then underwent a process of centrifugation, washing, and ultrasonication three times, before dialysis was carried out to reach a neutral pH.

Results

The isolated NCC is then dried, and the percentage of NCC yields is calculated. Analysis using Electron Microscopy (SEM) scanning shows that the resulting NCC form is a stick in the form of a stick, while the analysis with the Electron Microscopy (TEM) transmission shows the isolated NCC size ranges from 125 to 144 Nm. In addition, the characterization of Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) shows that the NCC has a crystalline structure of cellulose I.

The results showed that the highest yield value was obtained in a 60 ° C hydrolysis temperature variation and 55%sulfuric acid concentration, with a yield of 26.75%. The highest crystallinity value is recorded at a hydrolysis temperature of 55 ° C with a concentration of 55% H2SO4, which is 82.04%. This is also reflected in the lowest WHC value, which is 2,701 g of water/g NCC, indicating that the higher crystallinity, the lower the ability of the NCC in holding water. In addition, the lowest water soluble value obtained is 0%, and the lowest NCC drying shrinkage value is also 0%.

Discussion

This study shows the importance of temperature regulation and acid concentration in the process of making nanosellulose from banana stems. The results obtained provide new insights on the use of agricultural waste that is often ignored, as well as the potential to use nanosellulose in various industrial applications. With a better understanding of optimal conditions, it is hoped that further development of this technology can be done to increase the added value of waste material.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the potential of using Kepok banana stem fibers as a source of cellulose nanocrystals. The optimal conditions for hydrolysis temperature and sulfuric acid concentration have been determined, and the resulting NCCs have been characterized using various analytical techniques. The results obtained provide valuable insights into the use of agricultural waste and the potential of nanosellulose in various industrial applications.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to explore the potential of nanosellulose in various industrial applications, including as additional materials in composites, pharmacy, and the food industry. Additionally, the development of new technologies to increase the added value of waste material is also necessary. With a better understanding of optimal conditions, it is hoped that further development of this technology can be done to increase the added value of waste material.

References

[1] Cellulose nanocrystals: A review of their properties and applications. Journal of Materials Science, 2019.
[2] Production of cellulose nanocrystals from agricultural waste. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2020.
[3] Characterization of cellulose nanocrystals using Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2018.

Keywords

Cellulose nanocrystals
Kepok banana stem fibers
Hydrolysis temperature
Sulfuric acid concentration
Nanosellulose
Agricultural waste
Industrial applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Optimization of Hydrolysis Temperature and Sulfuric Acid Concentration in Manufacturing Nanosellulose Made from Kepok Banana Stem Fiber (Musa acuminata x balbisiana)

Q: What is nanosellulose and why is it important?

A: Nanosellulose is a form of cellulose crystal that has a nano size and is shaped like a stick or needle. It is typically isolated from plant fibers or biomass containing cellulose. Nanosellulose has gained significant attention in various industrial applications, including as additional materials in composites, pharmacy, and the food industry.

Q: What is the significance of temperature regulation in the production of nanosellulose?

A: Temperature regulation is crucial in the production of nanosellulose as it affects the crystallinity and yield of the final product. The optimal temperature for hydrolysis has been determined to be 60 ° C, which results in a higher yield and crystallinity of nanosellulose.

Q: What is the role of sulfuric acid concentration in the production of nanosellulose?

A: Sulfuric acid concentration is another critical factor in the production of nanosellulose. The optimal concentration of sulfuric acid has been determined to be 55%, which results in a higher yield and crystallinity of nanosellulose.

Q: What are the potential applications of nanosellulose?

A: Nanosellulose has a wide range of potential applications, including as additional materials in composites, pharmacy, and the food industry. It can also be used as a biodegradable packaging material, a biocompatible material for tissue engineering, and a renewable energy source.

Q: What are the benefits of using agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose?

A: Using agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose has several benefits, including reducing waste disposal costs, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable development. Additionally, the use of agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Q: What are the challenges associated with the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste?

A: The production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste is a complex process that involves several challenges, including the need for specialized equipment, the requirement for skilled labor, and the potential for contamination. Additionally, the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste can be affected by factors such as the type of agricultural waste used, the processing conditions, and the quality of the final product.

Q: How can the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste be scaled up?

A: The production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste can be scaled up by implementing large-scale processing equipment, optimizing processing conditions, and improving the quality of the final product. Additionally, the use of automation and robotics can help to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.

Q: What are the future directions for the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste?

A: The future directions for the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste include the development of new technologies to increase the yield and quality of the final product, the exploration of new applications for nanosellulose, and the promotion of sustainable development through the use of agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose.

Q: How can the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste contribute to sustainable development?

A: The production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste can contribute to sustainable development by reducing waste disposal costs, conserving natural resources, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Additionally, the use of agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste?

A: The production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste has the potential to generate significant economic benefits, including the creation of new jobs, the stimulation of local economies, and the increase of government revenue through taxes. Additionally, the use of agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose can help to reduce waste disposal costs and promote sustainable development.

Q: How can the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste be integrated into existing industries?

A: The production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste can be integrated into existing industries through the development of new products and applications, the use of nanosellulose as a biodegradable packaging material, and the promotion of sustainable development through the use of agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose.

Q: What are the potential environmental benefits of the production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste?

A: The production of nanosellulose from agricultural waste has the potential to generate significant environmental benefits, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the conservation of natural resources, and the promotion of sustainable development. Additionally, the use of agricultural waste as a source of nanosellulose can help to reduce waste disposal costs and mitigate climate change.