Solubility enhancement of crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) via dissolution of banana trunk

Abstract

Crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) was prepared via dissolution of banana trunk. CNC was investigated using optimization study on acid hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and its characterization. Optimization study was done using parameters which includes solid to liquid ratio, reaction time and solvent concentration. Using Design of Experiment (DOE) software, 20 runs were performed and the optimum value for each parameter was identified. The interaction between the parameters was analyzed and 3D surface plots were obtained. The highest solubility of CNC which is 47.87% was obtained from the optimum value of solid to liquid ratio which is 1:30, the optimum value of reaction time which is 105 minutes and the optimum value of solvent concentration which is 60%. Characterization of CNC was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) test and (Scanning Electron Microscope) SEM test. The FTIR spectra for banana trunk fiber, treated banana trunk fiber with sodium hydroxide to remove the lignin and hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass and pretreated banana trunk fiber with HCl to remove the amorphous region in cellulose were obtained. Breaking of β-1, 4-glycosidic linkage as well as the strength in bonds were compared from these three spectra. Besides that, the SEM results shows the difference in morphology of banana trunk fiber, treated banana trunk fiber with sodium hydroxide and pretreated banana trunk fiber with HCl where a needle like shape of CNC was observed.