Title : Fabrication of methylcellulose/polyvinyl alcohol as porous composite
Abstract:
Halophytic biomass is an abundant source of polysaccharides as they have a boundless supply of carbohydrates, which could be thought as the ultimate substrate and can be renewed into valuable chemicals and compounds such as methylcellulose and cellulosic nanofibers. Due to its morphology and characteristic physical properties, cellulose nanofiber is seen as a promising material for use in a wealth of fields, including filter material, high gas barrier packaging material, electronic devices, foods, medicine, cosmetics, and health care. Therefore, this study was designed to use halophytic plants for the first time to extract cellulose and its conversion into cellulosic nanofibers. Pectin, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose were extracted from the sample. Extracted components were analyzed by SEM and FTIR analysis. Extracted cellulose was methylated and converted in to Methylcellulose/PVA composite (nanofibers). Degradability of nanofibers in soil sample was also monitored. Furthermore, by-products of the process which were pectin, hemicellulose and lignin were evaluated for antimicrobial testing. Results confer the structural changes in cellulosic nanofibers which were observed by SEM and FTIR analysis. Extracted pectin, hemicellulose and lignin possessed antimicrobial activity which showed that by-products of the process can also find application. It was observed that PVA and cellulosic nanofibers composite is biodegradable which confer its use in industrial sector. Due to excellent biocompatibility, cellulose/PVA composite can be used in drug delivery system, packaging and barrier films, filter membranes, automotive, construction and medical implants. In addition, the cellulose nanofibers have the high yield and low cost, which is economic for civil engineering at large consumption.
Audience take away:
The project has benefits at many levels:
- Extraction of cellulosic nanofibers from less explored source such as halophytic plants.
- Formation of PVA with halophytic plant based extracted cellulose.
- Utilization of by-products of cellulose extraction as an antimicrobial agent.
