Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate and its Derivatives from  Sawdust and Corn Husk Lignocellulosic Biomass Waste

Nelly Acha Ndukwe; Olufayo Olusegun Ezekiel; Nathanael Ilesanmi

doi:10.62050/ljsir2026.v4n2.950

Authors

Nelly Acha Ndukwe
ndukwe.nelly@yahoo.com

Department of Chemical Sciences, Mountain Top University, Magoki, Ogun State, Nigeria
Olufayo Olusegun Ezekiel
Department of Chemical Sciences, Mountain Top University, Magoki, Ogun State, Nigeria
Nathanael Ilesanmi
Department of Chemical Sciences, Mountain Top University, Magoki, Ogun State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Cellulose acetate , Cellulose diacetate , Cellulose triacetate , Biomass valorization , Sawdust waste , Corn husk waste

Abstract

The recalcitrant nature of cellulosic biomass waste and its environmental pollution arising from incessant burning and indiscriminate dumping continue to raise global health concerns. This study investigated the synthesis and characterization of cellulose acetate derivatives from two lignocellulosic biomass waste, sawdust and corn husk waste. The work was designed to support biomass valorization of agricultural residues into cellulose esters. Sawdust and corn husk waste biomaterials underwent sequential alkaline treatment using 4 and 17.5 % sodium hydroxide, followed by oxidative bleaching to isolate alpha cellulose. The recovered cellulose was acetylated through a heterogeneous esterification route using glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride and sulphuric acid catalyst to obtain cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate and cellulose triacetate grades. The products were characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetric analyses and scanning electron microscopy. Sawdust produced a higher cellulose recovery of 52.3 %, compared with 48.5 % from corn husk waste, indicating its higher cellulose content and better purified pulp yield. However, corn husk waste produced higher acetate derivative yields, with cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, and cellulose triacetate yields of 78.0, 79.0 and 83.5 %, respectively, compared with 72.0, 76.0 and 80.0 % for sawdust. FTIR spectra confirmed acetylation through the appearance of ester carbonyl absorption around 1740-1750 cm−1, C-O stretching bands and reduced hydroxyl intensity. TGA showed improved thermal resistance of the acetate derivatives, with major degradation occurring above 250 °C and maximum degradation within the industrially relevant processing range. SEM revealed progressive transformation from fibrous cellulose to denser, film-forming acetate matrices suitable for industrial modification.

Dimensions

REFERENCES

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Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate and its Derivatives from Sawdust and Corn Husk Lignocellulosic Biomass Waste

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