Extraction of cellulose from bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl.) for bio-foam applications

Abstract

Cellulose bio-foam (CBF) was developed using bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl.) cellulose with varying fibre content concentrations (0 %, 10 % and 20 %) incorporated with starch and glycerol through the evaporative drying method. The morphology and microstructure of the CBF were analysed using scanning electron microscopy and optical light microscopy. Results revealed that CBF with 0 % cellulose fibre content exhibited a smoother surface compared to the rougher textures observed in 10 % and 20 % fibre content. The addition of cellulose fibres increased both the average and mean cell sizes, with pore sizes ranging from 0.93 mm to 2.69 mm for 10 % and from 0.94 mm to 3.27 mm for 20 %. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose microfibrils through the detection of carbon and oxygen elements. Thermogravimetric analysis further demonstrated that the accumulation of glycerol on the surface of microfibrils at 20 % cellulose fibre content enhanced the thermal stability of the CBF by increasing its degradation temperature. Notably, the addition of cellulose fibres significantly improved the mechanical properties of the CBF. Among the samples, CBF with 10 % cellulose content exhibited the highest mechanical strength, with a Young’s modulus of 78.74 N/m², compared to 6.91 N/m² for 0 % and 59.71 N/m² for 20 %. These findings highlight the optimal performance of CBF with 10 % cellulose content in terms of mechanical strength and overall material properties.