A new physical–chemical process for the efficient production of cellulose fibers from Spanish broom ( Spartium junceum L.)

A novel and efficient method for the extraction of cellulose fibers from Spanish broom ( Spartium junceum L.) is presented. The method is based on the sequential combination between an initial chemical stage (alkaline digestion) and a subsequent physical–chemical stage, consisting of compression wit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioresource technology 2010, Vol.101 (2), p.724-729
Main Authors: Gabriele, Bartolo, Cerchiara, Teresa, Salerno, Giuseppe, Chidichimo, Giuseppe, Vetere, Mabel Valeria, Alampi, Cosimo, Gallucci, Maria Caterina, Conidi, Carmela, Cassano, Alfredo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
alkali treatment
autoclaving
Biological and medical sciences
Biomaterials
cellulose
Cellulose - chemical synthesis
cellulosic fibers
chemical composition
elasticity (mechanics)
Fibers extraction
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
heat treatment
lignin peroxidase
mechanical properties
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Morphological analysis
Natural fibers
physicochemical properties
Spanish broom
Spartium - metabolism
Spartium junceum
Ultrafiltration
ultrastructure
X-Ray Diffraction
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Summary:A novel and efficient method for the extraction of cellulose fibers from Spanish broom ( Spartium junceum L.) is presented. The method is based on the sequential combination between an initial chemical stage (alkaline digestion) and a subsequent physical–chemical stage, consisting of compression with hot air in an autoclave followed by rapid decompression (DiCoDe process, digestion–compression–decompression). The alkaline mother liquor deriving from the initial digestion step can be conveniently recycled after centrifugation followed by ultrafiltration. The process is characterized by the production of fibers with excellent physical–chemical properties, such as high mechanical resistance and high elasticity, and rapid production times. The fibers obtained after the DiCoDe process can be further softened and whitened by means of enzymatic digestion. Fibers were morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while their composition and physical–chemical properties were determined by conventional methods, including colorimetry, TAPPI protocols, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry.
ISSN:0960-8524
1873-2976
DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2009.08.014