Isolation and surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals from sugarcane bagasse waste: From a micro- to a nano-scale view

Author(s)

Ferreira, F. V. ^{[1, 2]} ; Mariano, M. ^[2] ; Rabelo, S. C. ^[3] ; Gouveia, R. F. ^[2] ; Lona, L. M. F. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Chem Engn, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Brazilian Ctr Res Energy & Mat CNPEM, Brazilian Nanotechnol Natl Lab LNNano, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Brazilian Ctr Res Energy & Mat CNPEM, Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab CTBE, Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Applied Surface Science; v. 436, p. 1113-1122, APR 1 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 36

Abstract

This work presents the isolation and functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from sugarcane bagasse (SCB). CNCs were obtained by acid hydrolysis of bleached bagasse pulp and functionalized with adipic acid. The results showed that unmodified CNCs exhibit both a high crystallinity index and a significant aspect ratio. Surface modification with adipic acid decreases the nanocrystal dimensions due to removal of the amorphous region between the crystalline domains and also changes the electrostatic repulsion and hydrophilic affinity of CNCs. Unmodified CNCs offer potential applications as reinforcing phase in hydrophilic polymeric matrices, while modified CNCs interact better with hydrophobic matrices. The use of CNCs as reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites expands the application of this renewable material and increases its added value, providing nonenergy-based markets for the main biomass of the sugarcane industry. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/09588-9 - Functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals to developing biodegradable nanocomposites PBAT/CNC
• Grantee: Filipe Vargas Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate