Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Chemistry (not Biochemistry)
Amanee Gordon - Tuskegee University
Co-Author(s): Donald H. White, Md Shariful Islam, and Michael L. Curry, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Worldwide, 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic has been created, since 1950. As of date, 10% has been incinerated, 30% in use (including recycled), and 60% are discarded with the environment i.e., landfills, backyards, oceans). Hence, this has led to a huge amount of toxic substances that are leached into the environment that posses a negative impact on our environment and biological systems. Thus interest in the use of bio-based materials that eco-friendly and derived from natural products (e.g. cellulose) has increased significantly in the past few years. However, do to the large amounts of energy and time needed to extract and convert to nanocellulose form, more cost effective methods are needed. Hence, in this research project, we report on a new, cost effective method for the production of nanocellulose.
Not SubmittedFunder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation Centers for Chemical Innovation
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michael Curry, mcurry@tuskegee.edu
Role: I synthesized cellulose nanofibrils via chemical and mechanical methodologies, in converting microcellulose into nanocellulose for use in fabrication of cellulose-based nanocomposite materials.