TY - JOUR
T1 - Effect of Acetylation on the Morphology and Thermal Properties of Maize Stalk Cellulose Nanocrystals
T2 - A Comparative Study of Green-Extracted CNC vs. Acid Hydrolysed Followed by Acetylation
AU - Khumalo, Nduduzo Lungisani
AU - Mohomane, Samson Masulubanye
AU - Motaung, Tshwafo E.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.
PY - 2024/7
Y1 - 2024/7
N2 - This study highlights the advantages of employing acetylation to enhance the morphology and thermal properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from maize stalks. Utilizing a green synthesis approach for CNC extraction, this research presents a novel comparison between green extracted CNCs, and their acid hydrolysed, followed by their acetylated counterparts (ACCNCs). This comparison reveals significant improvements in the properties of acetylated CNCs over those produced through conventional acid hydrolysis. The study employs advanced characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), to analyze untreated maize stalk extracted cellulose, green extracted CNCs, and acetylated CNCs. FTIR spectroscopy identifies changes in functional groups, underscoring the efficacy of the extraction and modification processes. XRD analysis demonstrates a beneficial transformation from cellulose I to cellulose II allomorphs post-acetylation, with increased crystallinity index values indicating effective removal of amorphous regions. SEM imaging reveals the preservation of rod-like structures in CNCs, while acetylated CNCs exhibit advantageous morphological changes, such as reduced nanocrystal length and increased branching. TGA results show superior thermal stability in green extracted CNCs and favorable thermal degradation behavior in acetylated CNCs. Overall, this study underscores the potential of acetylation to develop sustainable nanomaterials with tailored properties, offering significant advancements for various applications. Emphasizing the advantages of the prepared ACCNCs and the green synthesis method over traditional acid hydrolysis extraction, this research paves the way for innovative applications in diverse fields.
AB - This study highlights the advantages of employing acetylation to enhance the morphology and thermal properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from maize stalks. Utilizing a green synthesis approach for CNC extraction, this research presents a novel comparison between green extracted CNCs, and their acid hydrolysed, followed by their acetylated counterparts (ACCNCs). This comparison reveals significant improvements in the properties of acetylated CNCs over those produced through conventional acid hydrolysis. The study employs advanced characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), to analyze untreated maize stalk extracted cellulose, green extracted CNCs, and acetylated CNCs. FTIR spectroscopy identifies changes in functional groups, underscoring the efficacy of the extraction and modification processes. XRD analysis demonstrates a beneficial transformation from cellulose I to cellulose II allomorphs post-acetylation, with increased crystallinity index values indicating effective removal of amorphous regions. SEM imaging reveals the preservation of rod-like structures in CNCs, while acetylated CNCs exhibit advantageous morphological changes, such as reduced nanocrystal length and increased branching. TGA results show superior thermal stability in green extracted CNCs and favorable thermal degradation behavior in acetylated CNCs. Overall, this study underscores the potential of acetylation to develop sustainable nanomaterials with tailored properties, offering significant advancements for various applications. Emphasizing the advantages of the prepared ACCNCs and the green synthesis method over traditional acid hydrolysis extraction, this research paves the way for innovative applications in diverse fields.
KW - acetylation
KW - cellulose
KW - maize stalk
KW - nanocrystals
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85199635102&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/cryst14070636
DO - 10.3390/cryst14070636
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85199635102
SN - 2073-4352
VL - 14
JO - Crystals
JF - Crystals
IS - 7
M1 - 636
ER -