Isolation of cellulose nanocrystals from Bambusa vulgaris pulp via physio-chemical approach

This work reports the use of Bambusa vulgaris bamboo fibers (BF) as a biomass source for obtaining cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The fibers were first subjected to an alkali treatment, followed by bleaching and subsequent acid hydrolysis with concentrated sulfuric acid. The materials were chemically characterized according to TAPPI standards. Moreover, their structural, thermal and morphologic characteristics were studied through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR and XRD results demonstrated a reduction in non-cellulosic constituents and an increase in crystallinity after bleaching and acid hydrolysis. TGA and DSC analysis revealed a good thermal stability of CNCs. From SEM and TEM images, defibrillation of the fibers occurred, and the CNCs have a needle/time-like structure with nanometer dimensions. These results confirm the production of CNCs with high potential for application in nanocomposites. These results confirm the production of CNCs with high potential for application in nanocomposites.