Cellulose nanocrystals from tucum fibers cultivated in Amazon Forest: extraction and characterization

Abstract

The extraction of cellulose nanocrystals from tucum fibers has not been previously reported in the literature. In this way, tucum fibers underwent extraction processes to obtain cellulose nanocrystals, which were then characterized using techniques such as Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry (TG), and chemical composition analysis. The results revealed that the cellulose nanocrystals extracted from tucum fibers exhibited a fine, needle-like morphology with lengths ranging from 50 to 350 nm and diameters from 7.5 to 32.7 nm. The chemical composition analysis showed a high presence of alphacellulose in the fibers (ca. 63.38%). FTIR analysis demonstrated characteristic bands of cellulosic materials, while TG analysis indicated higher ash content and lower Tonset in the cellulose nanocrystals. XRD analysis showed increased crystallinity of the nanocrystals. The study underscores the potential applications of these cellulose nanocrystals as reinforcement in nanocomposite materials, emphasizing their eco-friendly and sustainable nature.