PRODUCTION OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE AND PREPARATION OF GEL FILMS BASED ON IT

This paper discusses the process of obtaining microcrystalline cellulose by removing lignin from biomass and studying its properties. Rice husks, which are agricultural waste, were used as biomass. The effect of the ratio of biomass to peroxyacetic acid on the yield of microcrystalline cellulose was determined. The yield of microcrystalline cellulose from rice husks at a ratio of 1/14 was 70%. Additionally, gel films based on rice MCC and sodium alginate were prepared, and their hydrolytic degradation properties were studied. In an acidic medium (pH 4.08), the gel film showed a 66% mass loss within 7 days, indicating pH sensitivity and biodegradability.

The morphological surface, average particle size, and structure of the samples were studied. The surface morphology of the samples was examined using a scanning electron microscope, and it was found that the average particle size was 7–10 µm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the amorphous–crystalline nature of the material. Fourier-transform

infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and ether functional groups. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated the thermal stability of the gel films.

The developed method for producing microcrystalline cellulose from biomass requires fewer processing stages compared to traditional methods and is environmentally safe. It was shown that high-quality microcrystalline cellulose can be obtained in one stage without the use of reagents containing sulfur and chlorine, high pressure, or large amounts of water. The interest in microcrystalline cellulose is due to its unique properties, such as lightness, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Currently, it is in high demand in the production of aerogels, gels, biocomposites, biodegradable materials, and films.

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