Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystal from Sugar Beet Pulp and its Characterization

Cellulose nanocrystal is a functional material because of its properties like high specific surface ratio, high crystallinity, and good mechanical and optical properties. It has emerged as a new material class for advanced military products such as bulletproof vests, fire-resistant materials, propellants, and electronic products. In this study, high purity cellulose was extracted from sugar beet pulp by soda-anthraquinone pulping method and bleached to remove maximum hemicellulose and lignin. Then cellulose nanocrystal was produced from extracted cellulose with 64% sulfuric acid. The resulting crystalline nanocellulose was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose nanocrystal. Hydrolysis with concentrated sulfuric acid increased the crystallization of bleached cellulose and reduced its size to the nanoscale. The diameter of cellulose nanocrystal was less than 20 nm, the length was in the 200-400 nm range, and the production yield was 53%, which is comparable to cellulose nanocrystal from wood and other biomass sources. This product can be used in various military applications, including durable and lightweight composites, surfaces with anti-corrosion properties, and bandages.