Bionanomaterials from Agricultural Wastes
Abstract and Figures
Agricultural biomass is the organic material left as a by-product after agricultural activities, particularly in developing countries. Present-day scenario witnesses a declined supply of raw materials which is a cause for concern. Natural fiber possesses properties that make them a suitable alternative material to be used in local timber industries for the production of value-added products. Agricultural cellulose offers many advantages because of its renewable and biodegradable properties. Cellulose fibers exhibit a unique structural hierarchy derived from their biological origin. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) owing to their morphology and physical properties have been proven a promising material not only in the fields of cosmetics, medicine, biocomposites and health care but are also progressing immensely to many other unlimited applications including high gas barrier packaging material, filter material and electronic devices. Depletion of natural resources, growing population and environmental concerns has increased the attention for the extreme development and use of nanomaterials from biomass. Marvelous and complex structure of bionanoparticles is helpful while understanding the chemical applications, and as a result the bionanomaterials can serve as the filler/reinforcement in polymer composites. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the properties of agricultural wastes along with its use as a bionanomaterial and its potential applications.
Figures - uploaded by Manpreet Kaur
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by Manpreet Kaur
Content may be subject to copyright.
... Plant biomass powder or particulate fibers [3,4] are being progressively utilized as biomass-based fillers in thermoplastic and thermosetting composite materials. Biomass powder and fibers derived from agricultural waste sources such as rice husk, wheat straw, flax, hemp, jute, sisal, pineapple, and bagasse to mention a few have been employed in the development of polymer composites as reinforcing biomaterials [5,6]. Wood-plastic composites (WPC's) are a novel kind of composites used as engineering materials for house wares, automotive industries, and diverse construction executions. ...
Composites are fabricating by reinforcing waste bambara nut shell powder (BNSP) as a bio-filler into an epoxy resin matrix. The composite is fabricated by varying the mass fractions of filler in the range of 5–35 wt%. The effects of bio-filler content on physical, mechanical, and thermal properties are evaluated. The studies reveal that the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and impact strength increased with increasing bio-filler content. The highest mechanical properties of BNSP-loaded epoxy composites are achieved at bio-filler mass content of 15 wt%, whereas hardness increased for 5–35 wt% with peak value at 35 wt%. The water absorption and thickness swelling of the BNSF/epoxy composites increased with increasing bio-filler contents, while the density decreased with an increase in bio-filler content. The TGA results revealed that an increasing bio-filler content decreased thermal stability, whereas the Tg and Tm of the composites increased with increasing bio-filler content.
... Among the main applications studied for CNFs, more recent studies address issues related to their use in the production of nanostructured or coated packaging (Ferrer et al. 2017, Matos et al. 2019, Lindström and Österberg 2020, production and use of CNFs from agricultural and wood waste (Scatolino et al. 2018, Kaur et al. 2020, Kamel et al. 2020, biomedical applications (Nehra and Chauhan 2020), and in electrical devices (Xu et al. 2018). ...
The accumulation of petroleum polymers com promises biodiversity and causes environmental prob lems. Nanocellulose enhances biodegradability and can improve the physical-mechanical performance of mate- rials. The objective was to produce and characterize hybrid films composed of bacterial cellulose (BC) and plant nanocellulose from Eucalyptus (Euc) or Pinus (Pin). Films were produced by the casting method using filmogenic suspensions with different cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) proportions from both the sources (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). CNFs suspensions were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology of the films was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the transparency, contact angle, wettability, oil and water vapor barrier and mechanical properties were also evaluated. The contact angles were smaller for films with BC and the wettability was greater when comparing BC with plant CNFs (0.10 °/s for 75 % Euc/25 % BC and 0.20 °/s for 25 % Euc/75 % BC). The water vapor permeability (WVP) of the 100 % BC films and the 25 % Euc/75 % BC composition were the highest among the studied compositions. Tensile strength, Young’s modulus and puncture strength decreased considerably with the addition of BC in the films. More studies regarding pre-treatments to purify BC are needed to improve the mechanical properties of the films.
... The resulting gold nanoparticles showed antifungal activity and were effective against fungal isolates pathogenic to humans (Gholami-Shabani et al., 2015). The synthesis of nanoparticles can also be achieved by using agricultural biomass like crops, their by-products; bamboo; logging residues; forestry residues; coconut husk; rice husk; bagasse, etc. (Kaur et al., 2020). Agricultural waste contains certain flavonoids, proteins, and phenolic molecules which may serve as reducing agents in the synthesis of nanoparticles (Adelere and Lateef, 2016). ...
Nanotechnology is a very vast field that includes a range of technologies at the nanoscale, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, genomics, neuroscience, robotics, and information technology. Nanotechnology is expressed as the hidden incentive behind the latest business and commercialization. It also provides a pathway for more research and directs the use of green nanomaterials for various applications mainly in the biotechnology, agriculture, and biomedical areas. The production of nanomaterials by green methods aims to produce nanoproducts without using and releasing toxic ingredients and products into the environment. Along with some benefits, challenges may be foreseen during the incorporation and production of nanomaterials by greener technologies. Environmental issues, socio-ethical issues, health and safety risks, issues related to the acceptance of products by consumers, and market demand may prevail during the manufacturing and production of green nanomaterials. The increased productivity of green nanomaterials and their utilization means a dramatic increase in the manpower used in the manufacture of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials being smaller in size may be inhaled or ingested via one or many pathways and can cause serious problems to human health as well as to the environment. As a result of this, the manpower would possibly be exposed to harmful impacts and elevated burden on the environment, caused by the leakage of hazardous components from industries into the environment. This chapter summarizes the environmental, legal, health, and safety issues of green nanomaterials.
Uncontrolled dumping of agricultural wastes is a cause of concern for the well-being of the environment. Nanotechnology has gained research popularity due to its beneficial applications. Nowadays the separation of nanocellulose from different agricultural wastes is explored in an increasing measure. Agricultural wastes are subjected to various treatments to extract nanocellulose. Nanocellulose extracted from agricultural wastes can be used in the preparation of biodegradable nanocellulose-based materials (for various applications) which are environment-friendly and can promote sustainable economic growth by ensuring the good usage of agricultural wastes.
In the present work, the composite materials were prepared from coconut shell powder, palm kernel powder, and epoxy resin. The addition of coconut shell powder was considered when preparing the composite samples, and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness, impact, bending strength, physical behavior water absorption, as well as morphological tests, were conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Thermogravimetric Analysis for both the prepared composite material boards and chipboard. The minimal variation of tensile stress and percentage of elongation between the 50 % coconut shell powder composite material and the wooden chipboard material is 4,44 MPa and 1,00 %, respectively, according to the findings of experimental tests.The lowest compressive stress and hardness variations between coconut shell powder composite material and wooden chipboard are found to be 0,14 MPa and 3,2 MPa, respectively. It is determined that the composite materials made from waste shell powders and epoxy resin are suitable for applications such as panel boards, automotive interior dashboards, roof sheets, and doors.
Bionanocomposites prepared from a combination of biopolymers and nanoparticles have found great applications nowadays. The biocompatible, biodegradable, and antimicrobial nature has increased its commercial value. Natural polymers such as cellulose, lignin, and aliphatic polyesters can be used. These green composites will replace the petroleum-based polymers in the near future. Many advanced methods such as in situ polymerization, solvent blending, and melt intercalation can be used for their production. Changing in the surface properties of these nanoparticles can enhance their properties for further industrial use. Funding from private and government agencies will help in the development of this technology. If raw materials with low cost are used and production methods for each polymer are formulated separately, the commercial value of these polymers will automatically increase. In the near future, the production of large variety of new products will increase their market value and the standard of living.
This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Desired Properties of Polymers for Biomedical Applications Natural Polymers Synthetic Polymers Conclusion Acknowledgements Conflicts of Interests
Oil palm fronds biomass was used as a source for isolation of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW), and its subsequent characterization was done. Non-cellulosic components such as lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin were removed from the biomass by chemimechanical alkaline hydrogen peroxide method followed by sulphuric acid hydrolysis having different time duration of hydrolysis. Apart from the progressive reduction in peaks characteristic of hemicellulose and lignin dissolution, FTIR spectroscopy analysis showed that there were no significant variations in peak positions, signifying that the hydrolysis did not affect the chemical structure of CNW. FESEM showed that there was gradual reduction in the aggregated structure of fiber due to bleaching. Nanoscale structure of CNW was revealed by TEM. XRD analysis revealed that the natural structure of cellulose I polymorph was maintained irrespective of the hydrolysis time. High thermal stability and aspect ratio of the extracted CNW demonstrated its suitability as a reinforcement material in nanocomposites.
In this work, optimization of Jatropha seed oil extraction has been carried out using solvent extraction method accomplished in a Soxhlet apparatus with the aid of Design Expert. The effects of three factors (particle size, extraction temperature and extraction time) on the percentage yield of oil obtained from the seed kernels were considered. Using the Box-Behnken design approach of response surface methodology (RSM), seventeen experimental runs were generated. With n-hexane as the solvent, each experimental run was carried out in 250 ml Soxhlet extraction apparatus. The results obtained from the experiments together with the factors considered during the experiments were modelled and analysed by choosing a cubic model. The results obtained from the analysis of variance of the model developed for the percentage of oil yield as a function of particle size, extraction temperature and extraction time revealed the good representation of the system by the model because its square of correlation coefficient (R-squared) value was found to be 0.9956. Also, it was discovered that the model and all its terms were significant because their probability values (p-values) were discovered to be less than 0.05 that was chosen based on 95% confidence level. Comparing the results obtained from the physical and chemical analysis of the extracted oil with the available standards in the literature, it was seen that the liquid extracted from the seed kernels was actually Jatropha oil. Finally, the optimization of the extraction process carried out indicated 61.52%of oil yield could be attained if the particle is 0.62 mm, the extraction temperature is 52.13 o C and the extraction time is 4.06 hr. An experiment carried out using the optimum conditions estimated gave an oil yield of 60.46%. Thus, it can be concluded that Box-Behnken design based RSM has been used successfully in optimizing Jatropha oil extraction.
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was successfully prepared from bleached kenaf bast fiber through hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. The influence of hydrolysis time (1 to 3 h) on the MCC physicochemical properties was examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were utilized to characterize the isolated MCC. According to FTIR analysis, the chemical composition of MCC was not changed with the reaction time. The reaction times, however, did affect the thermal stability of MCC. The thermal stability decreased linearly with increasing hydrolysis time. The optimum hydrolysis time was determined based on the morphological, structural, and thermal properties of the kenaf bast MCC.
Concern about global warming has led to renewed interest in the more sustainable use of natural fibres in composite materials. This important book reviews the wealth of recent research into improving the mechanical properties of natural-fibre thermoplastic composites so that they can be more widely used. The first part of the book provides an overview of the main types of natural fibres used in composites, how they are processed and, in particular, the way the fibre-matrix interface can be engineered to improve performance. Part two discusses the increasing use of natural-fibre composites in such areas as automotive and structural engineering, packaging and the energy sector. The final part of the book discusses ways of assessing the mechanical performance of natural-fibre composites. With its distinguished editor and team of contributors, Properties and performance of natural-fibre composites is a valuable reference for all those using these important materials in such areas as automotive and structural engineering.
The wide variety of natural cellulosic materials has complex and uneven components. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin comprise the main composition of cell walls of plants and are important components of natural lignocellulosic materials. Cellulose molecules determine the cell wall framework, and pectin is located between the cellulose microfilaments of the cell wall. In addition, cellulosic materials contain rich cell wall protein, pigment, and ash. Understanding of the chemical composition and structure of natural lignocellulosic materials, characteristics of each component, and interrelationships between various components would contribute to the research and development regarding natural cellulose materials. This chapter mainly describes the chemical composition and structure of natural cellulosic materials.
Bagasse is one of the important biomass sources, which is used as a fuel in the sugar industry. As a result, large quantities of ash were generated and create a serious disposal problem. The aim of the present work is to utilize the waste material bagasse ash as a valuable material to obtain nanosilica. The high percentages of pure and nano sized silica was synthesized from bagasse ash by solgel with reflux method. The synthesized nanosilica characteristic parameter were studied using various techniques such as XRD, FTIR and SEM with EDS. X-ray powder diffraction pattern of the nanosilica confirms the amorphous nature of silica. SEM results show that the treated bagasse ash have different morphology with various size while synthesized nanosilica is in spherical with nano level.
Most properties of nanoparticles are size-dependent. In fact, the novel properties of nanoaprticles do not prevail until the size has been reduced to the nanometer scale. The particle size and size distribution of alumina nanoparticle, as a critical property, have been determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), surface area analysis (BET) and x-ray diffraction peak broadening analysis. The particle size was found to be in the range of 5-95nm. Cumulative percentage frequency plot of the data extracted form TEM images indicates that particle size distribution obeys the log-normal function. The TEM images also reveal that particles are spherical in shape and loosely agglomerated. Comparing of the XRD and TEM results shows that the particles are single-crystal. The HRTEM images also verify that the particles have a single-crystal nature. In comparison, there is a good correlation between the BET, XRD and TEM measurements other than PCS that is sensitive to the presence of the agglomerates.
