Preparation and characterization of bamboo based nanocellulose by ball milling and used as a filler for preparation of nanocomposite

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) 2024-08, Vol.308, p.127396, Article 127396
• Main Authors: Verma, Yogendra Kumar, Singh, Amit Kumar, Paswan, M.K., Gurmaita, Priyeshiv Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkaline treatment; Ball milling; Bamboo fiber; Cellulose; Nanocellulose
• ISSN: 0032-3861
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2024.127396

In this research, bamboo-based nanocellulose was prepared and characterized using high-speed ball milling to reduce initial bamboo powder particle size for potential use in nanocomposites. FTIR analysis revealed structural modifications, including increased cellulose content and decreased lignin content post-treatment. XRD analysis indicated a shift from cellulose I to cellulose II, suggesting altered crystallinity and hydrogen-bonding networks. SEM analysis revealed distinct morphological changes between untreated and NaOH-treated bamboo fibers, with the latter exhibiting surface modifications indicative of effective treatment. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated a reduction in particle size to approximately 80 nm, with reduced aggregation and individualized nanofibrils. Tensile tests of bamboo nanoparticle-epoxy biocomposites with varying weight percentages (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %) of nanoparticles showed enhanced tensile strength up to 1.5 % loading (83.92 ± 1.74 MPa), but a decrease at 2 % loading (70.24 ± 1.80 MPa), indicating increased strain-to-failure. SEM and TEM images illustrated a homogeneous distribution at 1.5 wt%, but increased agglomeration at higher contents, impacting microstructure. This study underscores bamboo-derived nanocellulose's potential for tailored applications and improved mechanical properties in nanocomposites, highlighting the critical role of filler content in material performance and microstructure. [Display omitted] •Bamboo-based nanocellulose synthesized via high-speed ball milling.•FTIR analysis showed an increase in cellulose content and a decrease in lignin content post-treatment.•XRD analysis revealed a shift towards cellulose II with increased crystallinity.•SEM analysis showed smooth and uniform surfaces in untreated bamboo fibers.•NaOH-treated bamboo fibers exhibited white spots indicating NaOH residues and altered surface chemistry.