Papers by Keyword: Cellulose

Abstract: The development of biocomposite nanofiber-based wound dressing materials using Polylactic Acid (PLA), cellulose, and chitosan was carried out through the electrospinning method. The ideal wound dressing should be biocompatible, biodegradable, antibacterial, and able to maintain optimal wound moisture with its water resistance. In this study, various material compositions and electrospinning feed rates were applied to study their effects on water resistance. The solution mixing process was carried out using Dichloromethane and Dimethylformamide solvents, followed by electrospinning at a voltage of 20 kV with a feed rate ranging from 5 ml/hour to 9 ml/hour, characterization included hydrophobicity testing, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The resulting nanofiber-based wound dressing, based on hydrophobicity testing, was found to have the lowest contact angle value at a feed rate of 6 ml/hour with a 100% PLA composition of 77.9096°, and the highest contact angle value at a feed rate of 6 ml/hour with a chitosan and cellulose composition of 89.37°. This indicates that the combination of cellulose and chitosan is able to maintain stable surface properties despite changing process conditions. Overall, the effect of flow rate on surface properties is strongly influenced by material composition, which ultimately determines the contact angle. This contact angle value plays a crucial role in determining water resistance, whether the surface tends to be hydrophilic (readily absorbs water) or hydrophobic (repels water). Keywords: Wound Dressing, Nanofiber, Polylactic Acid, Cellulose, Chitosan, Electrospinning

Abstract: Bioplastics or biopolymers are being developed as an alternative to tackle the problem of polymer waste, which causes pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Cellulose derived from corn cobs can be a biopolymer alternative to synthetic polymers. Cellulose derived from corn cobs can replace conventional petroleum-based polymers as an alternative plastic material. Incorporating ZnO into the biopolymer matrix is projected to result in favourable characteristics and allow for a wider range of applications. This study aims to investigate the changes in the characteristics of bioplastics derived from corn cob waste and starch upon the incorporation of ZnO, with a special emphasis on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. FTIR analysis shows that the incorporation of ZnO exhibited no impact on the structure of the bioplastic. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the ZnO microparticles' morphology is irregular and rough. The average size of ZnO particles incorporated into the biopolymer matrix was 0.623 μm. Mechanical tests showed a positive correlation between the amount of ZnO and the tensile strength of bioplastics. The assessment of the electrical conductivity of the Bioplastic/ZnO composite indicates a notable enhancement with the inclusion of ZnO. Electrical conductivity shows a progressive increase from 2.13x10^-15 S/m to 3.23x10^-12 S/m, 7.42x10^-11 S/m, and 2.03x10^-10 S/m with the incorporation of ZnO as much as 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 g, respectively. Generally, incorporating ZnO into bioplastics can enhance their tensile strength and electrical conductivity.

Abstract: This study explored the feasibility of removing nickel (Ni) and Pb (II) from water solutions using the adsorption technique by cellulose recovered from office paper waste. Metal removal is required to reduce the direct or indirect exposure of industrial waste to the environment, due to its potential for harm to human health and ecosystems. The release criterion is maintained to keep the efficient wastewater treatment of the metals of concern, which are toxic to both humans and other organisms. The cellulose was first prepared from office paper waste. The removal values can be rationalized as follows: Lead removal efficiencies of were obtained upto %95.0632, while the removals of nickel were obtained as 54.3866%. The adsorption process was effective with the initial metal concentration and the adsorbent dose used. In addition, the study focused on the competition between the adsorption of lead and nickel ions, which inhibited their removal in a mixture. To sum up, in the present study, the prospects of removing heavy metals by low-cost renewable materials are demonstrated, and in general, those concerning the protection of the environment and the minimization of waste.

Abstract: The high demand for cellulose paper made from hardwood (trees) is currently causing environmental damage because the hardwood used comes from logging a very large amount of land. This tree felling, if continuously carried out, will result in natural disasters such as floods, landslides and the extinction of some animals due to homelessness, on a large scale can also result in climate change globally due to an increase in geothermal temperatures. This study synthesised TKKS waste mixed with bacterial cellulose with a combination of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% with the addition of CMC additives to strengthen the morphological quality of the resulting paper surface. The purpose of this study is to process cellulose fibres from TKKS waste mixed with bacterial cellulose reinforced with CMC additives to produce environmentally friendly paper. The addition of CMC additives is intended to improve the morphological properties of the paper surface that has been produced. So that the products produced are expected to have the potential to reduce dependence on paper made from hardwood (trees). The target of this research is to produce products that can be implemented as replacement paper that can be used in the graphic industry and society. The methods used in this study are a combination of mechanical processes, chemical processes, and chemical mechanical combinations. Then Next, conduct a paper feasibility test for writing and printing produced. Paper base material characterization test, paper surface morphology test is carried out to determine the quality of the paper produced.

Abstract: Cellulose is an important structural material found naturally within the cell walls of plants that has recently been researched as a biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic reinforcing agent used to improve properties for a variety of composite systems. Cellulose is usually derived from wood sources via acid hydrolysis. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is produced by bacteria proliferation using nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen sources, and is similar chemically to plant extracted cellulose. Compared to commercially available cellulose, BC has higher purity and increased hydrophilicity. In this work, banana peels are used as a carbon source for bacterial cellulose growth. The peels were heat treated to maximize sugar and carbon contents. In addition, BC derived from the banana peels doesn’t require any bleaching or chemical post-processing. In this research, BC derived from banana peels is synthesized, characterized, and analyzed for its physical, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties, as compared to commercial nanocellulose.

Abstract: The Ecuadorian paper industry faces the constant challenge of seeking alternative raw materials to replace wood pulp in paper production and its derivatives to reduce production costs. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the quality properties of paper derived from bacterial cellulose from two of Ecuador's most abundant agricultural residues: banana peels and pineapple peels. The influence of the productivity parameters of the bacterial cellulose produced on the quality properties of the derived paper is established using multivariate statistical methodologies. Fifteen treatments with different carbon sources in the microorganism's culture medium were applied: medium with glucose (T1), media with banana peel extracts at various concentrations (T2-T8), and media with pineapple peel extracts at various concentrations (T9-T15). After obtaining the cellulose, additives and coating solutions were added to produce paper. The results showed that high concentrations of banana peel extracts (T5-T8) were significantly related to the weight and yield of bacterial cellulose, as well as the grammage and water content of the paper. This demonstrates that the quality of bacterial cellulose and the nutritional composition of banana peel extracts are optimal for efficient and sustainable paper production.

Abstract: The main objective of this work was to produce grafted cellulose from coconut dregs. In this work, cellulose isolated from coconut dregs was grafted with various concentrations of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Cellulose-GMA prepared using 20% of ​​GMA produced the highest grafting percentage, where the grafting percentage reached 299.2%. The obtained grafted cellulose was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, and TGA. FT-IR spectra confirmed the formation of cellulose-GMA and XRD data showed a slight decrease in the crystallinity of cellulose after GMA addition from 6.98% to 6.02%, 5.57%, and 5.83% for cellulose-GMA prepared using 15%, 20%, and 25% of GMA, respectively. Cellulose-GMA showed higher thermal stability than cellulose, that potentially used in some applications at higher temperatures.

Abstract: Determination of the optimum composition of chitosan-grafted cellulose/TiO₂ film was performed using the Box-Behnken Design method from Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Apart from being able to determine the best composition for a composite, this method can also determine the influencing factors of the composition on the performance of the composite. This method was conducted by combining factorial group design. This design used three factors and three levels. Adsorption capacity data from the adsorption process and percent removal from the photocatalyst process were used as responses in determining the optimum composition of chitosan-grafted cellulose/TiO₂ films. Based on the results, the counterplot of grafted cellulose vs TiO₂ shows that both variables have the same influence, where the more grafted cellulose and TiO₂ added to the composite, the more adsorption capacity of the chitosan-grafted cellulose/TiO₂ film. The results from determining the composition, obtained the best composition, namely chitosan; grafted cellulose; TiO₂ each of 0.85; 0.2; 0.2 g.

Abstract: There has been a tremendous increase in the amount of emphasis spent on biocomposite technology in recent years. This is primarily due to increased worries about health and the environment. The development of polymer biocomposites is critical in the field of composite material research, particularly in terms of improving mechanical properties and biodegradability. Even though not all polymers are suitable for use as matrix materials, there is growing interest in the usage of renewable polymer matrix architectures such as polylactic acid (PLA) because they degrade more quickly than traditional polymers. In order to produce the biocomposite, the solvent casting method was employed as the appropriate method for production. The material that was used as the filler material was cellulose, and the component of the matrix that was employed was PLA. Chloroform was utilised as the solvent. PLA was employed in the matrix's creation. The sample were cut into rectangles 50 mm long by 15 mm wide. The biocomposite was initially submerged in a buffer solution that contains -amylase in order to kickstart the process of enzymatic biodegradation. In order to finish the procedure without any problems, it was essential to carry out this step. The weight reduction was monitored at two-day intervals. The results showed that as cellulose concentration grew, so did tensile strength, and that weight lost during biodegradation also increased strength was then measured using the ASTM D882 standard. By immersing the sample in α-amylase buffer solution, enzymatic biodegradation was carried out, and the weight loss every two days was determined. According to the outcome, tensile strength rose along with the cellulose content, and the weight lost during biodegradation also increased.

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the preparation and characterization of PCL/EA cellulose composites. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results confirm the successful composite fabrication, indicating the absence of chemical reactions during melt-compounding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct morphologies, with PCL forming a continuous phase and EA cellulose exhibiting a fibrous network. Despite successful embedding of EA cellulose fibers in the composite, fractured surfaces indicated poor interfacial interaction, potentially leading to fiber pull out. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed enhanced thermal stability in the composites, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated minimal impact on PCL melting behavior. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) further demonstrated enhanced crystallinity in the composites, highlighting increased order in PCL crystals. Mechanical testing revealed a modest increase in stiffness attributed to the rigid cellulose fibers. However, a decrease in yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break suggested reduced ductility and inferior mechanical properties, consistent with poor interfacial adhesion observed in SEM. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the structural, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of PCL/EA cellulose composites, offering a foundation for potential applications in various fields.