Optimized production and comparative analysis of microcrystalline cellulose particles from jute and viscose fiber wastes

Abstract

This study aims to prepare and characterize microscale cellulose particles from waste for potential use as a reinforcement material in composites. Thus, cellulose particles were obtained using a two-stage chemical–mechanical acid hydrolysis method involving, a nitric acid (HNO₃)-acetic acid (HAc) solution followed by mechanical grinding. Morphological properties of the cellulose particles were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a particle size distribution analyzer. The crystallography, thermal stability, and chemical structure were examined using X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Additionally, degree of polymerization and moisture content were determined. Morphological analyses revealed that cellulose particles from wastes of jute (JC-125-30) and viscose fibers (VC-125-30) treated at 125 °C for 30 min have very low span values with average particle sizes of 28.9 µm and 28.4 µm, respectively. In addition, the samples had higher moisture uptake, lower degrees of polymerization, smaller sizes, and a more uniform particle distribution compared to commercial cellulose particles. This paper proposes an improved method to produce microsized cellulose with small particle sizes and homogeneous distribution for industrial reuse of cellulosic textile waste.