Valorization of pineapple peel waste and sisal fiber: Study of cellulose nanocrystals on polypropylene nanocomposites

Abstract

The present study focuses on the isolation and characterization of the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from the pineapple peel waste (PPW) (agro‐waste) and sisal fiber (SiF) (natural fiber) employing the acid hydrolysis method, and its comparison with the commercially available CNCs (CNC‐C). Furthermore, the CNCs from PPW, SiF, and CNC‐C were subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, particle size distribution, and zeta potential analysis. The studied properties of the isolated CNCs are considerably different from the PPW and SiF. The CNCs so formed have been estimated by TEM to be around 10–40 nm wide and length of several micrometers. Fourier transform electron microscopy studies described the removal of the noncellulosic components like lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin substances from the base materials in both the cases by employing acid hydrolysis method. Additionally, nanocomposites of CNC isolated from PPW along with polypropylene (PP) matrix were fabricated using melt blending method followed by injection molding. Maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP) acts as a compatibilizer for improving the dispersibility of hydrophilic CNC within the nonpolar PP matrix. The addition of CNC (3 wt%) along with MAPP at 5 wt% showed optimum tensile strength and modulus to the tune of 10.39 and 25.53%, respectively, when compared to their counterparts without MAPP. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed an increased stiffness of PP in its nanocomposite system due to the addition of CNC. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed uniform distribution of CNC within the nonpolar PP matrix in the presence of MAPP.

Isolation and Characterization Cellulose Nanosphere from Different Agricultural By-Products

“…The results are consistent with Mehanny, et al [22]; nanocellulose obtained from palm wastes via 20% H2SO4 (v/v) at 120 °C for 30 min was reported in spherical particles of 42-82 nm diameter. However, the morphology of isolated CN was different from some previous studies, as they were rod-like or needle-shaped [11,23,24]. Yang, et al [25], sus- The results are consistent with Mehanny, et al [22]; nanocellulose obtained from palm wastes via 20% H 2 SO 4 (v/v) at 120 • C for 30 min was reported in spherical particles of 42-82 nm diameter.…”

“…Yang, et al [25], sus- The results are consistent with Mehanny, et al [22]; nanocellulose obtained from palm wastes via 20% H 2 SO 4 (v/v) at 120 • C for 30 min was reported in spherical particles of 42-82 nm diameter. However, the morphology of isolated CN was different from some previous studies, as they were rod-like or needle-shaped [11,23,24]. Yang, et al [25], suspected that the resulting sphere shape of CN could be because of pretreatment processes such as milling, fiber regeneration prior to acid hydrolysis, and TEMPO-assisted oxidation.…”

Cellulose Nanofibers as Functional Biomaterial from Pineapple Stubbles via TEMPO Oxidation and Mechanical Process

“…The biomass generated in pineapple production has been used mainly to extract cellulose nanocrystals. The CNC obtained are by acid hydrolysis and it has been reported that they are extracted from different parts of the pineapple plant such as the crown [22,23], the stem [3], the peel [24] and the leaves [25,26]. Due to the cellulosic availability in pineapple plant, it is important to explore the possibility of producing CNF from this raw material.…”

“…This difference will influence the final application given the new material. For example, CNC are shorter and smaller and have better resistance properties and greater crystallinity than cellulose nanofibers and can be used as reinforcement materials [24]. Cellulose nanofibers can crosslink and form high strength nanostructures for other applications [27].…”

Fundamental studies on shear-induced nucleation and beta-phase formation in the isotactic polypropylene—effect of the temperature

“…Since its discovery, the isotactic polypropylene (iPP) has been found to have many applications in various areas in view of its satisfactory properties and relative low material cost [1][2][3]. The discovery of stereospecific olefins polymerization catalysts enabled the efficient iPP synthesis on the industrial scale and its widespread use in man-made material technology, especially in the production of composites [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”