THE PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOCELLULOSE FROM BAMBOO FIBERS

Abstract

Bamboo is recognized as a sustainable and renewable resource in Malaysia, with emerging potential for advanced material applications. To explore its viability for nanocellulose production, this study investigates the extraction of nanocrystals cellulose (NCC) from bamboo fibers through optimized chemical and mechanical processes, aiming to develop an efficient and environmentally conscious synthesis method. While there have been limited studies on bamboo, particularly Phyllostachys Aurea, this research uses acid hydrolysis with sulfuric (H₂SO₄) and hydrochloric (HCl) acids to prepare NCC. The study tested hydrochloric acid (HCl) concentrations between 50–70 wt% under controlled conditions (120 minutes, 45 °C). At 60% HCl, the hydrolysis yielded optimally dispersed crystalline cellulose with reduced aggregation, outperforming other concentrations. Specifying these conditions ensures methodological clarity and underscores the importance of acid concentration in nanocellulose synthesis. The resulting NCC exhibited a crystallinity index of 49.20% and a crystallite size of 4.04 nm, as confirmed by XRD and FTIR analyses. Additionally, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) revealed a well-defined fibrous morphology and improved structural integrity, supporting the successful isolation of nanocellulose. The optimized process yields NCC with enhanced structural properties, demonstrating its potential as a reinforcing agent in nanocomposites. These findings position bamboo as a viable, eco-friendly resource for green material development.