Characteristics of nanocellulose crystals from balsa and kapok fibers at different ammonium persulfate concentrations

• Published in: Wood science and technology 2021-09, Vol.55 (5), p.1319-1335
• Main Authors: Marwanto, Marwanto, Maulana, Muhammad Iqbal, Febrianto, Fauzi, Wistara, Nyoman J., Nikmatin, Siti, Masruchin, Nanang, Zaini, Lukmanul Hakim, Lee, Seung-Hwan, Kim, Nam Hun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ammonium; Ammonium peroxodisulfate; Balsa; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cellulose; Ceramics; Composites; Crystal structure; Crystallinity; Crystals; Fibers; Fourier analysis; Fourier transforms; Functional groups; Glass; Hemicellulose; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Life Sciences; Lignin; Machines; Manufacturing; Morphology; Nanocrystals; Natural Materials; Original; Processes; Raw materials; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetric analysis; Transmission electron microscopy; Wood Science & Technology; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 0043-7719; 1432-5225
• DOI: 10.1007/s00226-021-01319-0

Balsa and kapok fibers are by-products of community plantations. Both fibers have not been optimally utilized in Indonesia. The high holocellulose content and low lignin content of these fibers indicate the potential to be used as a nanocellulose raw material with a simple extraction. The objective of this study was to extract cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from balsa and kapok fibers through a direct extraction without pre-treatment. CNCs from balsa and kapok fibers were prepared by a one-step procedure with ammonium persulfate solution (APS) at concentrations of 1, 1.5, and 2 mol/L. The CNCs were characterized by determining their morphology, functional groups, crystallinity, and thermal stability using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The results showed that the diameter of the CNCs was in the range of 1.25–11.87 nm depending on the APS concentration and the fiber type. APS dissolved the lignin and hemicellulose, which led to an increase in the CNCs crystallinity with an increasing APS concentration. The decrease in the thermal stability of the CNCs was thought to be due to the increase in the surface area of the particles and the presence of carboxyl groups in the CNCs. This research revealed that balsa and kapok fibers could be used as raw materials to produce nanocellulose in one-step using ammonium persulfate.