Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) Extracted from Acid Hydrolyzed Falcata Wood Kraft Pulp as Reinforcement to Glycerol-Plasticized Starch (GPS) Biofilm

Author : Rodelas, John Joemmel Riego
Major Adviser : Guerrero, Gino Apollo M.
Major Co-Adviser : Razal, Ramon A.
Committee Members : Carpio, Rowena B.; Eusebio, Ramon Christian P.
Year : 2020
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract

This study focuses on the establishment of extraction methodologies for the isolation of CNC from Falcata wood pulp via sulfuric acid hydrolysis by determining the parametric effects of varying reaction temperature, acid concentration, and reaction time on the process yield. Its application as reinforcing material to the production of glycerol-plasticized starch biofilms was also explored. The highest mean yield was achieved at 45°C after 45 minutes of acid hydrolysis using a volume fraction of 50% sulfuric acid with a value of 3.48% and 3.59 upon verification. Furthermore, all main effects (reaction temperature, acid concentration, and reaction time) as well as the reaction time–reaction temperature interaction and reaction time-acid concentration interaction were found to be significant. The average particle size which represents the CNC length was found to be 221.6 nm using Dynamic Light Scattering analysis; with a polydispersity index of 0.556 which signifies a higher tendency of aggregation. However, accurate dimensions of the CNC such as diameter and aspect ratio were not reported and confirmed due to the absence of imaging characterizations done to the sample. Finally, reinforced glycerol-plasticized starch films were produced but due to deformities as well as limitations in accessibility of analysis instruments, characterizations were not done.

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