Cellulose Nanofibers from Schinus molle: Preparation and Characterization

Abstract

Schinus molle (SM) was investigated as a primary source of cellulose with the aim of discovering resources to generate cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The SM was put through a soda pulping process to purify the cellulose, and then, the fiber was treated with an enzymatic treatment. Then, a twin-screw extruder and/or masuko were utilized to help with fiber delamination during the nanofibrillation process. After the enzymatic treatment, the twin-screw extruder and masuko treatment give a yield of 49.6 and 50.2%, respectively. The optical and atomic force microscopy, morfi, and polymerization degrees of prepared cellulosic materials were established. The pulp fibers, collected following each treatment stage, demonstrated that fiber characteristics such as length and crystallinity varied according to the used treatment (mechanical or enzymatic treatment). Obviously, the enzymic treatment resulted in shorter fibers and an increased degree of polymerization. However, the CNF obtained after enzymatic and extrusion treatment was achieved, and it gave 19 nm as the arithmetic width and a Young’s modulus of 8.63 GPa.