Lignocellulosic nanofibrils produced using wheat straw and their pulping solid residue: From agricultural waste to cellulose nanomaterials. (15th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bian, Huiyang; Gao, Ying; Luo, Jing; Jiao, Liang; Wu, Weibing; Fang, Guigan; Dai, Hongqi
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 91(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2019-05-15
• Subjects: Agricultural residue waste -- Wheat straw -- Waste wheat straw -- Delignification -- Mechanical fibrillation -- Lignocellulosic nanofibrils; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.04.052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Agricultural residue wastes can be valorized through its conversion into LCNF. WS fibers with low lignin and ash content can be easily fibrillated to LCNF. Post-purification treatment can further decrease lignin content and fibril diameter. P-LCNF isolated from WS presented higher CrI and SSA values than those from WWS. Abstract: Each year millions of tons of agricultural wastes are produced, however, not well utilized in China. Considering the economic development and environmental protection, the valorization of these wastes is increasingly necessary and important. Here we used p -toluenesulfonic acid hydrolysis followed by mild disk grinding for on-farm valorization of wheat straw (WS) and their pulping solid residue (waste wheat straw, WWS) to produce lignocellulosic nanofibrils (LCNF). Alkaline peroxide post-treatment was further conducted to obtain purified lignocellulosic nanofibrils (P-LCNF) with lower lignin content and thinner diameters. The raw materials and resulting LCNF and P-LCNF were investigated in each process for their chemical component, crystal structure, morphology, and thermal properties. Interestingly, although WS fiber had higher lignin content than WWS fiber, the WS fiber with lower ash content resulted in LCNF and P-LCNF with smaller height and lower thermal stability, but higher crystallinity and higher specific surface area. Higher ash content in WWS fiber protected cellulose and lignin from depolymerization and degradation, respectively, which endowed LCNF and P-LCNF with entangled network structure. Overall, this study indicated that the low-temperature fractionation process on WS and WWS fibers could yield cellulose nanomaterials with potential value-added application and achieve the efficient utilization of agricultural wastes.