Isolation and characterization of nanocellulose from pineapple leaf fibres via chemo-mechanical method

Abstract

In this study, the extraction, isolation and characterization of nanocellulose from pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) were carried out. The chemical pretreatment used include bleaching, and acid hydrolysis processes aimed at removing lignin, hemicellulose, and extractive substances. This was followed by sonication and milling to produce nanocellulose. Morphological changes to the PALF due to treatment were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the nanofibrils were produced and the micrographs showed PALF nanofibrils in the average range of 25–58 nm in diameters. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that there was no significant chemical / structural change after the phase changes. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) shows no significant elemental composition difference in the nano celluloses obtained. The results indicated that PALF waste could become a viable source of commercially valuable nanocellulose.