Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from kenaf fiber via acid hydrolysis

Rosnan, Nur Syahirah (2017) Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from kenaf fiber via acid hydrolysis. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

	Text (24 Pages) Preparation And Characterization Of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) From Kenaf Fiber Via Acid Hydrolysis.pdf - Submitted Version Download (409kB)
	Text (Full Text) Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from kenaf fiber via acid hydrolysis.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB)

Abstract

Kenaf fibre is a one of the natural fibre that is commercially available and there is a growing interest in the use of kenaf fibre as a raw material in many applications due to its high content of cellulose in plant. Numerous studies have investigated the synthesizing of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from kenaf fibre by using chemical treatment such as acid hydrolysis. Based on the previous study, there is no study has been reported on optimum acid concentration as a parameter of using hydrolysis method. Therefore, in this study, the process of synthesizing cellulose nanocrystals by using acid hydrolysis method with optimum acid concentration is comprehensively studied. In addition, the influence of different acid concentration on the morphology, crystallinity of cellulose nanocrystals and crystallite size were also evaluated. The crystallinity analysis of cellulose nanocrystals kenaf fibre is determined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. For the alkali treatment, the XRD analysis shows that the crystalinity index (CrI) of the alkali treated fiber increased and this result is confirmed by FTIR analysis which reveals that peaks for lignin and hemicellulose at were absent from the spectra of the alkali-treated fibers. The SEM micrograph of the untreated fiber and alkali treated fiber is then compared and the 6 wt. % NaOH treated fiber has a cleaner surface but looks jagged and feels rougher when touched. For acid hydrolysis, it can conclude that the CrI of the CNC will increase if the concentration of acid used increased but if the hydrolysis time is prolonged, the crystallinity index of the CNC will decreased. From the result obtained, it shows that the optimum acid concentration is 30 wt. % with 90 minutes hydrolysis time and 45 ºC temperature. By producing the CNC from kenaf fiber, this research contributes in future for the application in nanocomposites industry as reinforcing material for polymer composite. Hence, the use of CNC from kenaf fiber can be considered as green material and align well with the global trends of sustainability design and development.

Actions (login required)

View Item