Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Materials Science
Manal Alwohaibi - Tuskegee University
Co-Author(s): 1Manal Alwohaibi, 2Chemar J Huntley, and 1,2Michael L Curry1Department of Chemistry, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 2Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Previous investigations published within our group revealed that the acid strength and biomass source strongly influenced the resulting thermal and structural properties of the extracted cellulose crystals. Thus, in this work, a systematic investigation on the feasibility of extracting nanocellulose from different biomasses (i.e., cotton, wheat straw, and Hibiscus sabdariffa), by means of two different procedures, was carried out. Under both methods, chemical procedures such as acid hydrolysis, alkaline extraction, and bleaching were included in the extraction process. Morphological characterizations of the final product were performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to monitor the removal of non-cellulosic constituents. The thermal stability of the extracted cellulose was explored using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis. Finally, XRD and FTIR were used to monitor the crystallinity and composition, respectively, of the cellulose upon treatment via both extraction methods.
Not SubmittedFunder Acknowledgement(s): Extraction and Synthesis of Bio-Based Materials
Faculty Advisor: Dr.Michael L Curry, currym@mytu.tuskegee.edu
Role: Polymer Science: Cellulose, Extraction and Synthesis of Bio-Based Materials, Mold Casting, Nanotechnology, Organic Surface Chemistry, Polymer Dissolution, Polymer Grafting, Recyclability, Solvent Casting, Sustainability, Thermoplastic Composite Fabrication.