Synthesis and characterization of nanofibers and nanocrystals of cellulose from Guadua weberbaueri

Abstract

The species Guadua weberbaeuri, popularly known as bamboo or taboca, and abundantly located in the region of Acre-Brazil, had its potential application as reinforcement to cementitious composites, in civil construction, explored through characterizations. For this purpose, preliminary steps are carried out, until the preparation of cellulose nanofibers was obtained from the bamboo pseudostem through various processes such as milling, sieving, pre-treatment, bleaching, elimination of hemicellulose and lignin to obtain cellulose, acid hydrolysis of cellulose to obtain crystalline cellulose nanofibers (NCC). The NCC were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and thermal differential analyses, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, dynamic light scattering and fiber and cellulose contents. The results indicated predominantly crystalline nanomaterials, with thermal stability up to 300 °C, with carbonaceous bonds and an abundance of sodium oxides and silica, indicating a potential for incorporation into cementitious composites. This perspective, to be studied in later stages by the authors, will aim to bring the fields of sustainability, civil construction and nanotechnology closer together.