Abstract:
The application potential of cellulosic materials in natural composites and
other fields needs to be explored to develop innovative, sustainable, light weight, functional biomass materials that are also environmentally friendly.
This study investigated Typha angustifolia (Typha sp.) as a potential new raw
material for extracting cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for application in
wastewater treatment composites. Alkaline treatments and bleaching were
used to remove cellulose from the stem fibres. The CNCs were then isolated
from the recovered cellulose using acid hydrolysis. The study showed a few
distinct functional groups (O-H, -C-H, =C-H and C-O, and C-O-C) in the
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra. A scanning electron microscope
(SEM) revealed the smooth surface of CPC and CNCs, which resulted from
removing lignin and hemicellulose from powdered Typha angustifolia. Based
on the crystalline index, the powdered Typha angustifolia, CPC, and CNCs
were 42.86%, 66.94% and 77.41%. The loss of the amorphous section of the
Typha sp. fibre resulted in a decrease in particle size. It may be inferred from
the features of a Typha sp. CNC that CNCs may be employed as reinforcement
in composites for wastewater treatment.
