Biocomposite composed of PVA reinforced with cellulose microfibers isolated from biofuel industrial dissipate: Jatropha Curcus L. seed shell

Abstract

Biofuel production by Jatropha Curcas L. (JC) seeds result in large quantities of unused seed shells contributing as an extensive potential source for cellulose production. Present work consummates on isolation of cellulose microfibers (CMF) from JC seed shell by chlorination treatment and were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and 13C NMR. Removal of hemicellulose and lignin were confirmed from FTIR results. Cellulose microfibers with diameter 0.23-1.04 ?m demonstrated considerable increase in crystallinity and thermal stability by chlorination treatment. Procured cellulose microfibers were reinforced in Poly-vinyl Alcohol (PVA) by solution casting in water to form biocomposites. Mechanical properties and thermal stability of these biocomposites increased on addition of cellulose microfiber, ensuring the potentiality of cellulose fibers as filler in biocomposites which can reinstate traditional plastics. © 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.