Production and characterization of nanocellulose through sub-critical water hydrolisis of sugarcane

Abstract

The replacement of inorganic fibers by lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcement in composites was leveraged with the need for "green" methods associated with the use of cheap raw materials, such as sugarcane bagasse. In this context, the use of small amounts of nanocellulose allows a great improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites. This project aims to produce nanocellulose from the sugarcane bark and core fractions. For that, two "green" methods will be investigated: the use water at sub-critical conditions (with and without the use of liquid CO2) to hydrolyze the cellulosic pulp; and the use of physical methods to promote the micro-fibrillation of the pulp fibers. Furthermore, the study of surface modification of nanocellulose will be evaluated as a necessary step both to stabilize the nanocellulose in the suspension and to increase compatibility with polymer matrices. The partial development of the project at the Engineering Laboratory of Pulp and Paper (LGP2) in Grenoble, France, enables the use of specialized equipments and the know-how of the French researchers in this subject. In addition, there is already a research partnership established with the professor Mohamed Naceur Belgacem, a special guest researcher in a "Ciência sem fronteiras" project. (AU)