Development of Nanocellulose from Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) via Acid Hydrolysis using Sulfuric Acid (H2S04)

This study is important because the current situation of usage of plastics can bring
harm to health and environment. Since cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer in the
biosphere, it is viewed as a potential material to reduce widespread use of plastics.
Nanocellulose is a potential material for reinforcement as the reported tensile strength is very
high compared to other polymers Thus, in this work; a study on the feasibility of developing
nanocellulose from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by acid hydrolysis was carried out.
Parameters such as hydrolysis temperature and acid concentration are controlled during
experiments. The final products were characterized using several analyzers >uch as Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission
Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Nanocellulose obtained will be used as
reinforcement in starch composite films to develop nanocomposite.