Conversion of Cellulosic Raw Feed Stock Into Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC)

Over the period, cellulosic biomass and wood were used as a source of energy, clothing, construction material. Cellulose can be modified into microcrystalline and nanocrystalline form for better mechanical and antimicrobial properties. Wood contains 40 to 60% cellulose whereas cotton, 90%. In nanotechnology, the material is disintegrated to have at least one dimension in nanoscale (1 to 100 nanometre). Nanosized particles have unique properties. Nanocellulose can be isolated from cellulosic materials that are abundantly available in nature. Cellulose nanocrystals can be obtained by alkaline treatment, bleaching, hydrolysis, and dewatering route. The crystallinity index of derived CNC varies from 52 to 99%. Sugarcane peel fiber was reported to have a maximum of 99.2% crystallinity. Combination of CNC with other materials, this can yield better and desired properties. Water sensibility and permeability can be minimized for their application in films by adding citric acid in the structure.