Extraction and Characterization of Fiber and Cellulose from Ethiopian Linseed Straw: Determination of Retting Period and Optimization of Multi-Step Alkaline Peroxide Process

Use of mushroom extract for the synthesis of copper nickel bimetallic nanoparticles: chemical functionalization with polyethyleneimine polymer, characterization, and application to the adsorption of anionic dyes from water

In the current work, a biological extract of mushroom was used to synthesize copper nickel bimetallic nanoparticles (CuNi). The prepared CuNi bimetallic nanoparticles were then functionalized with polyethyleneimine polymer. The prepared nanocomposites (CuNi/PEI) were characterized using several analytical techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FT-IR showed that several phyto-constituents could act as reducing and stabilizing agents for CuNi. Some nanoparticles looked spherical and some others were nano-rods. The XRD sharp peak, at 2θ = 25.4°, indicated the crystalline nature of CuNi bimetallic nanoparticles. The crystallinity of CuNi was not significantly affected after surface functionalization with polyethyleneimine. The prepared nanocomposites were thermally less stable than CuNi. Further, the nanocomposites were used for the adsorption of two anionic dyes namely Acid Blue 25 (AB25) and Naphthol blue black B (NBBB). At optimum conditions, the highest adsorption capacities of AB25 and NBBB using CuNi/PEI nanocomposites were 198 and 152 mg/g, respectively. However, the adsorption abilities of AB25 and NBBB using CuNi bimetallic nanoparticles were only 35 and 24 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption mechanism was exothermic, nonspontaneous, and fitted well to the pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm. Overall, the green approach, facile synthesis, and adsorption performance suggested that the prepared CuNi/PEI nanocomposite could be used as an excellent candidate in decolorization processes.

Extraction and characterization of natural cellulosic stem fiber from Melekuya (Plumbago zeylanicum L.) plant for sustainable reinforcement in polymer composites

Natural plant fibers are sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials due to their affordability, lightweight nature, and eco-friendliness. However, challenges like high moisture absorption limit their application in polymer matrix reinforcements. Green composites address these challenges, promoting eco-efficiency. This study investigates Plumbago zeylanica L., an edible lowland plant, for fiber characterization and industrial use. Fibers were extracted via alkaline treatment using NaOH. Comprehensive analyses, including chemical composition, FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and tensile testing, revealed exceptional properties. Plumbago zeylanica L. fiber exhibits a tensile strength of 734.33 ± 25 MPa, a Young's modulus of 39 ± 3.22 GPa, and 6.40 % elongation at break, making it ideal for composites. Its composition includes 36.76 % cellulose, 43.6 % hemicellulose, 14.17 % lignin, and 11.08 % moisture content, with a crystallite size of 8.31 nm and a crystallinity index of 68.4 %. High crystallinity enhances mechanical properties, absorption capacity, and chemical reactivity. SEM analysis revealed a rough surface, improving matrix adhesion. These attributes make Plumbago zeylanica L. fiber a promising material for bio-composite, industrial, and biomedical applications, advancing eco-friendly innovation.

Green solvent-based extraction of cellulose from hemp bast fibers: From treatment efficacy to characterizations and optimization

This study assessed the efficacy of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as green solvents for cellulose extraction from hemp bast fiber. Three DES mixtures were applied, and the combination of choline chloride and glycerol was selected for further experimentation due to its superior performance. The impact of four key parameters- treatment time, treatment temperature, DES-to-hemp ratio, and glycerol-to-choline chloride ratio was analyzed using Central-Composite Design (CCD) within response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize cellulose extraction. The optimal conditions achieved cellulose: lignin ratio of 70.817. Machine learning (ML) algorithms, including Multilayer Perceptron, Instance-Based Learner (IBK), Random Committee, Random Forest and Random Tree were conducted to predict the extraction process based on the RSM results. The results showed that the Random Tree demonstrated superiority by providing a predicted R2 value of 0.8548. Various characterization techniques such as SEM, FTIR, TGA, and XRD confirmed the removal of impurities. TGA and XRD results indicate a crystallinity index of 81.4 % and an increase in cellulose yield from 58.108 % in untreated hemp to 69.731 % in the h-12 sample, respectively, consistent with RSM findings. These findings indicate the high potential of DES as a green, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solvent for cellulose extraction from hemp.

Natural cellulose fibers derived from Dracaena angolensis (Welw. ex Carrière) Byng & Christenh. demonstrate potential as a non-absorbable surgical suture biomaterial

Sutures from natural and synthetic materials are utilized to close wounds, stop bleeding, reduce pain and infection, repair cutaneous wounds, minimize scarring, and promote optimal wound healing. We used mechanical and chemical methods to extract cellulose fibers from cylindrical snake grass (Dracaena angolensis) (Welw. ex Carrière) Byng & Christenh. Following the extraction process, the fibers increased in cellulose and water content, while hemicellulose and lignin decreased. The extracted fibers exhibited good mechanical properties, with weight losses of 7.4% in deionized water (DI) and 13.7% in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In comparison, the commercial braided silk sutures (Mersilk braided silk non-absorbable suture) used as a control showed no weight loss. However, the morphology of the fibers remained consistent throughout the 35-day immersion period in either DI or PBS. In an in vivo biocompatibility test, a semi-quantitative analysis of host tissue reactions indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two suturing materials across all criteria, confirming the comparable biocompatibility of cylindrical snake grass fibers to that of commercial silk sutures. These findings demonstrate the promising potential of natural cellulose fibers derived from cylindrical snake grass as an alternative source of a non-absorbable surgical suture biomaterial, attributed to their outstanding mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Microbial communities and their role in enhancing hemp fiber quality through field retting

The current development of industrial hemp "Cannabis Sativa L." fibers for technical textiles and industrial applications requires high-quality fibers with homogeneous properties. However, several factors have been reported to influence the fibers' intrinsic properties, including a post-harvest process known as retting. This process plays a crucial role in facilitating the mechanical extraction of fibers from hemp stems. Retting involves the degradation of the amorphous components surrounding the fiber bundles enabling their decohesion from stems. Microorganisms play a central role in mediating this bioprocess. During retting, they colonize the stems' surface. Therefore, the biochemical components of plant cell wall, acting as natural binding between fibers, undergo a breakdown through the production of microbial enzymes. Although its critical role, farmers often rely on empirical retting practices, and considering various biotic and abiotic factors, resulting in fibers with heterogenous properties. These factors limit the industrial applications of hemp fibers due to their inconsistent properties. Thus, the purpose of this review is to enhance our comprehension of how retting influences the dynamics of microbial communities and, consequently, the evolution of the biochemical properties of hemp stems throughout this process. Better understanding of retting is crucial for effective process management, leading to high-value fibers. KEY POINTS: • Retting enables degradation of cell wall components, controlling fiber properties. • Microbial enzymatic activity is crucial for successful decohesion of fiber bundles. • Understanding retting mechanisms is essential for consistent fiber production.

Developing multifunctional cellulose derivatives for environmental and biomedical applications: Insights into modification processes and advanced material properties

The growing bioeconomic demand for lightweight, eco-friendly materials with functional versatility and competitive mechanical properties drives the resurgence of cellulose as a sustainable scaffold for various applications. This review comprehensively scrutinizes current progressions in cellulose functional materials (CFMs), concentrating on their structure-property connections. Significant modification methods, including cross-linking, grafting, and oxidation, are discussed together with preparation techniques categorized by cellulose sources. This review article highlights the extensive usage of modified cellulose in various industries, particularly its potential in optical and toughening applications, membrane production, and intelligent bio-based systems. Prominence is located on low-cost procedures for developing biodegradable polymers and the physical-chemical characteristics essential for biomedical applications. Furthermore, the review explores the role of cellulose derivatives in smart packaging films for food quality monitoring and deep probes into cellulose's mechanical, thermal, and structural characteristics. The multifunctional features of cellulose derivatives highlight their worth in evolving environmental and biomedical engineering applications.

Isolation, characterization and response surface method optimization of cellulose from hybridized agricultural wastes

This study explores the utilization of eight readily available agricultural waste varieties in Nigeria-sugarcane bagasse, corn husk, corn cob, wheat husk, melina, acacia, mahogany, and ironwood sawdust-as potential sources of cellulose. Gravimetric analysis was employed to assess the cellulose content of these wastes, following which two selected wastes were combined based on their cellulose content and abundance to serve as the raw material for the extraction process. Response Surface Methodology, including Box-Behnken design, was applied to enhance control over variables, establish an optimal starting point, and determine the most favorable reaction conditions. The cellulose extracted under various conditions was comprehensively examined for content, structure, extent of crystallinity, and morphological properties. Characterization techniques such as X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were employed for detailed analysis. Compositional analysis revealed sugarcane bagasse and corn cob to possess the highest cellulose content, at 41 ± 0.41% and 40 ± 0.32% respectively, with FTIR analysis confirming relatively low C=C bond intensity in these samples. RSM optimization indicated a potential 46% isolated yield from a hybrid composition of sugarcane bagasse and corn cob at NaOH concentration of 2%, temperature of 45 °C, and 10 ml of 38% H2O2. However, FTIR analyses revealed the persistence of non-cellulosic materials in this sample. Further analysis demonstrated that cellulose isolated at NaOH concentration of 10%, temperature of 70 °C, and 20 ml of 38% H2O2 was of high purity, with a yield of 42%. Numerical optimization within this extraction condition range predicted a yield of 45.6% at NaOH concentration of 5%, temperature of 45 °C, and 20 ml of 38% H2O2. Model validation confirmed an actual yield of 43.9% at this condition, aligning closely with the predicted value. These findings underscore the significant potential of combinning and utilizing agricultural wastes as a valuable source of cellulose, paving the way for sustainable and resource-efficient practices in various industrial applications.

Extraction and characterization of cellulose microfibers from cornhusk for application as reinforcing agent in biocomposite

This study aims to extract and characterize cellulose microfibers from cornhusk, an agricultural by-product. The extracted fibers will then be used as a reinforcing agent in a biocomposite made of thermoplastic corn starch. The process of extracting cellulose microfibers involved two treatments: sequential alkali treatment (using sodium hydroxide at 120 °C for 120 min) and peroxide bleach treatment (using hydrogen peroxide at 90 °C for 60 min). Various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to characterize the extracted fibers. The properties of the composite were examined through tensile strength tests, contact angle measurements, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The study found that cellulose microfibers were successfully extracted from cornhusks, with a diameter of 7 to 30 μm and a crystallinity of 65 %. The treated fibers showed gradual degradation between 150 °C and 350 °C, indicating a lower amount of non-cellulosic substances compared to untreated cornhusks. Adding 10 % of the microfibers to the thermoplastic starch composite increased the tensile stress at breaking and the Young's modulus, but decreased the contact angle of water droplets and the film's transparency.

Extraction of lignocellulosic fiber and cellulose microfibrils from agro waste-palmyra fruit peduncle: Water retting, chlorine-free chemical treatments, physio-chemical, morphological, and thermal characterization

In this paper, lignocellulosic fibers and cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) were extracted from palmyra fruit peduncle waste and investigated as naturally derived cellulosic materials for their potential use as reinforcement materials in composite applications. The physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the extracted fiber were studied. Physical and morphological analysis results revealed an extracted fiber diameter of 82.5 μm with a very rough surface, providing excellent interfacial bonding performance with the polymer matrix. Chemical, mechanical, and thermal results showed that the fibers consist mainly of cellulose as their crystallized phase, with a cellulose content of 56.5 wt% and a tensile strength of 693.3 MPa, along with thermal stability up to 252 °C. The chemically extracted CMFs exhibit a short, rough-surfaced, cylindrical cellulose structure with a diameter range of 10-15 μm. These CMFs demonstrate excellent thermal stability, withstanding temperatures up to 330 °C. Furthermore, the formation of CMFs is evident from a substantial increase in the crystallinity index, which increased from 58.2 % in the raw fibers to 78.2 % in the CMFs. FT-IR analysis further confirms the successful removal of non-cellulosic materials through chlorine-free chemical treatments. These findings strongly support the potential use of extracted fibers and CMFs as reinforcement materials in polymers.