Microcrystals and Microfibers of Cellulose from <i>Acrocomia aculeata</i> (Arecaceae) Characterization

Abstract

In the context of the so-called lignocellulose bio-refinery, the coconut shell (S) and pulp (P) of Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) are interesting agro-industrial wastes that can be used as feedstock for the production of high value-added products. The aim of this work was to evaluate these lignocellulosic residues S and P, to obtain the microcrystal (MCC) and microfiber (MFC) of cellulose, and to characterize them to propose possible applications. First, cellulose content in the raw materials was determined, being 39.69% and 45.42% for both (S and P)) respectively, respectively. Then, the purification of residues was carried out via alkaline and bleaching treatments. Next, in order to obtain MCC and MFC from the purified cellulose, a chemical treatment with HCl (for MCC) and a mechanical treatment with a blender (for MFC) were performed. The size and morphology were observed via MEB, and properties were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG).

Keywords

• coconut fruit
• shell
• pulp
• cellulose
• microcrystals
• microfiber