Comparison of the Properties of Abaca (Musa textilis Nee.) and Kapok (Ceiba pentandra (L) Gaertn) as Raw Materials and their Potentials for Cellulose Nanocrystal Production: A Case Study

Author : Reyes, Mikaela Faye Nonato
Major Adviser : Manalo, Ronniel D.
Committee Members : Alcantara, Jerico Z.; Migo-Sumagang, Maria Victoria P.
Year : 2020
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract

There is a need to find alternative renewable resources as the innovation and advancement in the production of different materials rises. The study dealt with the evaluation of the potential of abaca and kapok as fiber sources for the production, research and development of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Information were obtained from the theses of Loresto (2013) Varilla (2015) for abaca and kapok, respectively. Data on the proximate chemical analyses, acid hydrolysis and characterization of CNC, were compared and discussed. Results obtained proved that abaca and kapok to be good sources due to high cellulose and low lignin contents, though treatments may be optimized to further improve cellulose yield. In addition, the transformation from cellulose to nanocellulose can be achieved by varying the acid hydrolysis treatment parameters but more tests must done to better characterize the CNC. Possible research development areas on the methods for cellulose nanocrystals production were also included. This study is expected to provide guidance on the effective extraction of nanocellulose from biomass for its possible applications in the future.


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