Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from Pennisetum purpureum (PP) fibers via ammonium persulfate oxidation method

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Muhammad Faizullah Pasha, Andoko, Muhammad Wahid Darmawan, Fina Nur Nabillah, Riduwan Prasetya, Mohammad Sukri Bin Mustapa

2025 Mechanical Engineering for Society and Industry Vol. 5 Issue 2 Article Cited by 0 Quartile

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials emphasizes the need for more efficient production methods for cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Traditional CNC synthesis, however, often requires significant energy input and produces harmful by-products, which undermine its environmental and economic viability. In response to this challenge, this study explores the use of an eco-friendly ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation method to produce CNCs from Pennisetum purpureum fibers. The findings reveal that CNCs synthesized at a temperature of 60 °C exhibited the highest crystallinity index (72.62%), optimal surface functionalization, and exceptional mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 18.44 MPa.The structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of the CNCs were comprehensively evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and tensile strength testing. These results highlight the effectiveness of APS oxidation in producing high-quality CNCs from readily available agricultural biomass. By utilizing a sustainable approach, this research not only advances the production of eco-friendly materials but also demonstrates the potential for agricultural waste to be repurposed in nanotechnology applications. The study thus makes a significant contribution to sustainable material science, providing insights into improving CNCs production while minimizing environmental impact, ultimately supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Affiliations

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Malang, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Biology, State University of Malang, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Tun Hossein Onn (UTHM), Johor, 86400, Malaysia