Maximizing bolaina wood utilization: extraction of cellulose nanofibers from sawdust waste

This study focuses on the utilization of bolaina sawdust waste from the Peruvian Amazon for the production of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). Bolaina is known for its rapid growth and extensive wood usage, which generate significant amounts of sawdust waste. The objective of this research was to physicochemically study this biomass source and the conversion of this waste into valuable nanocellulosic materials. The results showed that CNF yields from holocellulose (CNF-BH) and alpha-cellulose (CNF-Bα) gave high nanofibrillation yields of 80.6% and 74.7%, respectively. The CNFs were disintegrated into nanoscale fibers using microfluidizer treatment, resulting in CNF-BH displaying a thicker, gel-like aspect, while CNF-Bα showed a more liquid aspect. The FTIR spectra showed peaks associated with -CH₂ groups, C = O stretching vibrations of carboxyl and acetyl groups in hemicelluloses, and cellulose I and II vibrations. TGA analysis demonstrated that both CNFs had two stages of degradation, with a maximum peak degradation temperature of 240 °C in the first stage and 310 to 350 °C in the second stage. The XRD patterns of CNF-BH and CNF-Bα showed differences in the crystallinity index, with values of 68.1% and 75.4%, respectively. The differences in crystallinity between the two CNFs can be explained by the alkaline purification method to which the alpha-cellulose sample was subjected. Overall, the CNFs exhibited a high crystallinity index and thermal stability, making them promising candidates for various applications in materials science and aiding in the development of sustainable materials.