Homogeneous Isolation of Nanocellulose from Cotton Cellulose by High Pressure Homogenization

Abstract

Nano-cellulose materials are widely believed to have the potential to push polymer mechanical properties. The cotton cellulose was dissolved in ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl)), and then was isolated by high pressure homogenization in a homogeneous media. The nano-cellulose was obtained at 80MPa for 30 cycles. The geometry and microstructure of the cellulose nano-fibres were observed by SEM and their particle size analysis. FTIR, XRD and TGA were used to characterize changes to chemical functionality. Particular emphasis is given to the physical and chemical characterization of these nano-fibres together with their thermal stability and crystallinity, in order to develop their suitability.