Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) has great potential as a reinforcing agent in thermoplastics (such as polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates) due to its high mechanical strength and aspect ratio – being compared with reinforcements like steel and carbon nanotubes. In order to maintain its strength when compounded with thermoplastics, the high-temperature processing must not damage the structural integrity of the nanocrystalline cellulose. The processing temperature for polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates is relatively high and near to the onset of thermal degradation of cellulose bio products, therefore care must be taken to ensure the preservation of the structural integrity of nanocrystalline cellulose. The thermal stability and the kinetics of thermal degradation of five different cellulose samples were studied using an Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method and thermogravimetric analysis data. To complete the characterization of the NCC for polymer processing applications, the crystallinity index was determined using X-ray diffraction; surface morphology was studied with scanning electron microscope, chemical composition was studied using FT-IR, and moisture content was measured using a moisture analyser. Each of these properties observed is essential to the end mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposite as these properties will affect the dispersion and interfacial adhesion of the fibres to the polymer matrix. After a complete investigation of the cellulose reinforcements, a procedure was developed for dispersion of the NCC fibres into a polycarbonate matrix followed by the moulding of specimen bars. The mechanical properties of the five cellulose-polycarbonate nanocomposites – for example, tensile modulus, flexural modulus and impact strength – were tested and compared to the homo-polycarbonate. The motivation for this project was to design a new material for use as strong, lightweight window substitute; an alternative to conventional residential/commercial windows and a lightweight alternative to conventional automotive glass, offering increased fuel efficiency.

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) has great potential as a reinforcing agent in thermoplastics (such as polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates) due to its high mechanical strength and aspect ratio – being compared with reinforcements like steel and carbon nanotubes. In order to maintain its strength when compounded with thermoplastics, the high-temperature processing must not damage the structural integrity of the nanocrystalline cellulose. The processing temperature for polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates is relatively high and near to the onset of thermal degradation of cellulose bio products, therefore care must be taken to ensure the preservation of the structural integrity of nanocrystalline cellulose. The thermal stability and the kinetics of thermal degradation of five different cellulose samples were studied using an Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method and thermogravimetric analysis data. To complete the characterization of the NCC for polymer processing applications, the crystallinity index was determined using X-ray diffraction; surface morphology was studied with scanning electron microscope, chemical composition was studied using FT-IR, and moisture content was measured using a moisture analyser. Each of these properties observed is essential to the end mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposite as these properties will affect the dispersion and interfacial adhesion of the fibres to the polymer matrix. After a complete investigation of the cellulose reinforcements, a procedure was developed for dispersion of the NCC fibres into a polycarbonate matrix followed by the moulding of specimen bars. The mechanical properties of the five cellulose-polycarbonate nanocomposites – for example, tensile modulus, flexural modulus and impact strength – were tested and compared to the homo-polycarbonate. The motivation for this project was to design a new material for use as strong, lightweight window substitute; an alternative to conventional residential/commercial windows and a lightweight alternative to conventional automotive glass, offering increased fuel efficiency.

To prevent clotting during dialysis, heparin is used to line the tubing which blood flows through. Unfortunately, many side effects arise from taking heparin, especially when it is used for an extended period of time. As such, long-term exposure for individuals undergoing dialysis every day is unavoidable. To prevent the solubilized heparin from entering the bloodstream, a polymer-based natural material is being investigated. This materials properties include reduction of coagulation and elimination of the long-term effects of heparin such as heparin induced thrombocytopenia and osteoporosis. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) contain the same 1,4 linked pyranose backbone structure as heparin along with desirable mechanical properties, like high stiffness and anisotropic shape. By altering the functionalization on the surface of CNCs to closely mirror that of heparin, it should be possible to make a biomimetic material that counteracts blood clotting, while not introducing soluble small molecule anti-coagulants into the body. Through blood assays and platelet fixing analysis, we have been able to show that this change in functionalization does reduce coagulation. Surface chemistry of CNCs were modified from 'plain' CNCs (70 mmol SO3-/kg residual from hydrolysis) to 500 mmol COO-/kg (TEMPO oxidized) and 330 mmol SO3-/kg CNC (sulfonated CNCs). We will show that by utilizing CNCs reactive functional groups and incredible mechanical properties we are able to create a material that reduces clotting while maintaining the tubing's mechanical strength as well as eliminating heparin's side effects associated with it being a soluble anticoagulant. / MS / To prevent clotting during dialysis, heparin is used to line the tubing which blood flows through. Heparin, an anticoagulant, is more commonly known as a ‘blood thinner’ which is a misnomer because it does not actually thin blood. Heparin works by inhibiting clotting factors in the coagulation cascade pathway which in turn limit the formation of blood clots and create the ‘thinning’ effect mentioned earlier. When dialysis is performed the interaction between blood and the dialyzer tubing initiates the formation of a blood clot. This is where heparin use comes in. Unfortunately, many side effects arise from taking heparin, especially when it is used for an extended period of time. As such, long-term exposure for individuals undergoing dialysis every day is unavoidable. To prevent heparin or its mimics from entering the bloodstream, a polymer-based natural material is being investigated. The properties of this material will include reduction of coagulation and elimination of the long-term effects of heparin. The polymer-based natural material being investigated is cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). CNCs contain the same ring structure and chemical linkage sites as heparin along with desirable mechanical properties. By altering the surface chemistry on the CNCs to closely mirror that of heparin, it should be possible to make a biomimetic material that counteracts blood clotting, while not introducing a solution based small molecule anticoagulant to the body. Through blood assays and platelet fixing analysis, we have been able to show that this change in functionalization does reduce coagulation. The ‘plain’ CNCs used contained an initial charge density of 70 mmol SO₃⁻ /kg. This residual charge density was a result from the acid hydrolysis performed to acquire CNCs from cellulose. Chemically modified CNCs contained many more negatively charged functional groups with TEMPO oxidized and sulfated CNCs having 500 mmol COO⁻/kg and 330 mmol SO₃⁻ /kg, respectively. We will show that by utilizing CNCs reactive functional groups and incredible mechanical properties we are able to create a material that reduces clotting while maintaining the tubing’s mechanical strength as well as eliminating heparin’s side effects associated with it being a soluble anti-coagulant.

As nonoceluloses são partículas com pelo menos uma dimensão menor que 100 nm. A produção delas a partir de materiais lignocelulósicos tem obtido grande destaque nos últimos anos. A celulose nanocristalina (CNC) é tradicionalmente produzida através da hidrólise ácida, utilizando alta concentração de ácido, grande volume de água e com baixo rendimento. A celulose nanofibrilada (CNF) é produzida pela desfibrilação mecânica de polpas celulósicas com alto consumo de energia. Por outro lado, embora a produção industrial de etanol 2G já tenha começado, com as primeiras plantas de produção em escala espalhadas pelo mundo, a hidrólise enzimática completa da celulose para este fim não é economicamente viável e gera um resíduo rico em celulose e altamente recalcitrante, que poderia ser utilizado para produzir nanoceluloses, que tem alto valor agregado. Neste contexto, este estudo investigou a viabilidade técnica da produção das nanoceluloses (CNC e CNF) integradas ao processo de produção de açúcares fermentescíveis para a produção de etanol 2G a partir do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar. Incialmente, em uma planta piloto de produção de etanol 2G, o bagaço foi pré-tratado por explosão a vapor, que gerou a celulignina que foi deslignificada com NaOH. A polpa celulósica gerada foi tratada com peróxido de hidrogênio em meio alcalino para realizar a remoção da lignina residual. Os materiais gerados pelo pré-tratamento e pelo processo de polpação em meio alcalino foram caracterizados quando sua composição química e hidrolisados com diferentes cargas de enzimas. Os resultados mostraram a eficiência dos pré-tratamentos aplicados ao bagaço de cana-de-açúcar causando o enriquecimento em celulose e a diminuição do teor lignina e de hemiceluloses, acarretando um maior acesso das enzimas a celulose. O estudo do efeito das cargas enzimáticas, do aumento da carga de sólidos e do sistema de agitação, resultou em conversões de celulose em torno de 80%, atingindo concentrações acima de 120 g/L. Utilizando o resíduo de hidrólise da polpa celulósica, foram obtidas as nanoceluloses. A CNC apresentou tamanho médio de partículas de 679 nm, índice de cristalinidade de 54%, diâmetros mais frequentes entre 55 e 65 nm e rendimento de aproximadamente 48%. A CNF apresentou tamanho médio de 722 nm e diâmetros com maior frequência em torno de 60 nm, e rendimento de aproximadamente 38%. As suspensões aquosas de CNC e CNF apresentaram baixa estabilidade, quando monitoradas através do potencial zeta. / Nanocelluloses are particles with at least one dimension smaller than 100 nm. Their production from lignocellulosic materials has gained prominence in recent years. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is traditionally produced through acid hydrolysis using high acid concentration, high water volume and results in low yield. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) is produced by mechanical defibrillation of cellulosic pulps with high energy consumption. On the other hand, despite the fact the production of 2G ethanol has already reached commercial production, with the first commercial facilities around the worldwide, complete enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose for this purpose is not economically viable and generates a highly recalcitrant residue rich in cellulose and, which could be used to produce nanocelluloses, high-added value products. In this context, this study investigated the technical viability of obtaining nanocelluloses integrated into the production process of fermentable sugars to obtain 2G ethanol from sugarcane bagasse. Initially, at a pilot plant for production of2G ethanol, sugarcane bagasse was pre-treated by steam explosion, generating cellulignin, which was delignified with NaOH. The resulting cellulosic pulp was treated with hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline medium to remove residual lignin. The materials generated after the pre-treatment and the pulping process in alkaline medium were characterized regarding their chemical composition and then hydrolyzed with different loads of enzymes. The results showed that the pre-treatments applied to the bagasse caused the enrichment in cellulose and the decrease of lignin and hemicelluloses contents, leading to a greater access of the enzymes to cellulose. The enzymatic charges used in the experiments, which were evaluated in combination with the increase of the solids loading together with the change of the agitation system, resulted in a cellulose conversion of around 80%, reaching concentrations above 120 g/L. Using the hydrolysis residue of the cellulosic pulp, nanocelluloses were obtained. The CNC showed a mean particle size of 679 nm, crystallinity index of 54%, diameters between 55 and 65 nm and a yield of about 48%. The CNF displayed an average particle size of 722 nm and diameters with higher frequency around 60 nm. The aqueous suspensions of CNC and CNF showed low stability when monitored through the zeta potential.

Recent biosensors using glucose oxidase enzyme to detect glucose (“blood sugar”) were made with intrinsic conducting polymers such as poly pyrrole (PPY) to mediate the reaction. PPY coated electrodes were difficult to employ via eletropolymerization because PPY is only soluble in solvents potentially damaging to enzymes. Nano crystalline cellulose – poly pyrrole (NCC-PPY) colloid circumvents this by forming natural, enzyme compatible, and hydrophilic films mechanically bound to electrodes using easy-to-disperse colloids. NCC-PPY was studied as mediator to investigate use in biosensor applications. Using NCC-PPY film casted on microfabricated interdigitated electrodes, a glucose biosensor with sensitivity factor of 20 was achieved. NCC-PPY showed enhanced catalysis with no enzyme inactivation and a total current of 2mA. Enhanced sensitivity was attributed to resistance changes of doped PPY, redox mediation, and compatibility of cellulose with enzyme.

Recent biosensors using glucose oxidase enzyme to detect glucose (“blood sugar”) were made with intrinsic conducting polymers such as poly pyrrole (PPY) to mediate the reaction. PPY coated electrodes were difficult to employ via eletropolymerization because PPY is only soluble in solvents potentially damaging to enzymes. Nano crystalline cellulose – poly pyrrole (NCC-PPY) colloid circumvents this by forming natural, enzyme compatible, and hydrophilic films mechanically bound to electrodes using easy-to-disperse colloids. NCC-PPY was studied as mediator to investigate use in biosensor applications. Using NCC-PPY film casted on microfabricated interdigitated electrodes, a glucose biosensor with sensitivity factor of 20 was achieved. NCC-PPY showed enhanced catalysis with no enzyme inactivation and a total current of 2mA. Enhanced sensitivity was attributed to resistance changes of doped PPY, redox mediation, and compatibility of cellulose with enzyme.

Cellulose is one of the most abundant biopolymers found in nature. Cellulose based derivatives have a number of advantages including recyclability, reproducibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cost effectiveness and availability in a wide variety of forms. Due to the benefits of cellulose based systems, this research study was aimed at developing novel cellulosic nanoparticles with potential pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Two different cellulosic systems were evaluated, each with its own benefits and proposed applications. The first project involves the synthesis and characterization of polyampholyte nanoparticles composed of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a cellulosic ether. EDC carbodiimide chemistry and inverse microemulsion technique was used to produce crosslinked nanoparticles. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose provide amine and carboxylic acid functionality to the nanoparticles thereby making them pH responsive. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose also make the nanoparticles biodegradable and biocompatible, making them suitable candidates for pharmaceutical applications. The synthesis was then extended to chitosan and modified methyl cellulose microgel system. The prime reason for using methyl cellulose was to introduce thermo-responsive characteristics to the microgel system. Methyl cellulose was modified by carboxymethylation to introduce carboxylic acid functionality, and the chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system was found to be pH as well as temperature responsive. Several techniques were used to characterize the two microgel systems, for e.g. potentiometric and conductometric titrations, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. FTIR along with potentiometric and conductometric titration was used to confirm the carboxymethylation of methyl cellulose. For both systems, polyampholytic behaviour was observed in a pH range of 4-9. The microgels showed swelling at low and high pH values and deswelling at isoelectric point (IEP). Zeta potential values confirmed the presence of positive charges on the microgel at low pH, negative charges at high pH and neutral charge at the IEP. For chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system, temperature dependent behaviour was observed with dynamic light scattering. The second research project involved the study of binding interaction between nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and an oppositely charged surfactant tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB). NCC is a crystalline form of cellulose obtained from natural sources like wood, cotton or animal sources. These rodlike nanocrystals prepared by acid hydrolysis of native cellulose possess negatively charged surface. The interaction between negatively charged NCC and cationic TTAB surfactant was examined and it was observed that in the presence of TTAB, aqueous suspensions of NCC became unstable and phase separated. A study of this kind is imperative since NCC suspensions are proposed to be used in personal care applications (such as shampoos and conditioners) which also consist of surfactant formulations. Therefore, NCC suspensions would not be useful for applications that employ an oppositely charged surfactant. In order to prevent destabilization, poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) chains were grafted on the NCC surface to prevent the phase separation in presence of a cationic surfactant. Grafting was carried out using the free radical approach. The NCC-TTAB polymer surfactant interactions were studied via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface tensiometry, conductivity measurements, phase separation and zeta potential measurements. The major forces involve in these systems are electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. ITC and surface tension results confirmed two kinds of interactions: (i) electrostatically driven NCC-TTAB complexes formed in the bulk and at the interface and (ii) hydrophobically driven TTAB micellization on the NCC rods. Conductivity and surface tension results confirmed that the critical micelle concentration of TTAB (CMCTTAB) shifted to higher values in the presence of NCC. Phase separation measurements allowed us to identify the formation of large aggregates or hydrophobic flocs depending on the TTAB concentration. Formation of NCC-TTAB complexes in aqueous solutions was confirmed by a charge reversal from negative to positive charge on the NCC rods. The effect of electrolyte in shielding the negative charges on the NCC was observed from ITC, surface tensiometry and phase separation experiments. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the above results. Grafting of PEGMA on the NCC surface was confirmed using FTIR and ITC experiments. In phase separation experiments NCC-g-PEGMA samples showed greater stability in the presence of TTAB compared to unmodified NCC. By comparing ITC and phase separation results, an optimum grafting ratio (PEGMA : NCC) for steric stabilization was also proposed.

Cellulose is one of the most abundant biopolymers found in nature. Cellulose based derivatives have a number of advantages including recyclability, reproducibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cost effectiveness and availability in a wide variety of forms. Due to the benefits of cellulose based systems, this research study was aimed at developing novel cellulosic nanoparticles with potential pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Two different cellulosic systems were evaluated, each with its own benefits and proposed applications. The first project involves the synthesis and characterization of polyampholyte nanoparticles composed of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a cellulosic ether. EDC carbodiimide chemistry and inverse microemulsion technique was used to produce crosslinked nanoparticles. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose provide amine and carboxylic acid functionality to the nanoparticles thereby making them pH responsive. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose also make the nanoparticles biodegradable and biocompatible, making them suitable candidates for pharmaceutical applications. The synthesis was then extended to chitosan and modified methyl cellulose microgel system. The prime reason for using methyl cellulose was to introduce thermo-responsive characteristics to the microgel system. Methyl cellulose was modified by carboxymethylation to introduce carboxylic acid functionality, and the chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system was found to be pH as well as temperature responsive. Several techniques were used to characterize the two microgel systems, for e.g. potentiometric and conductometric titrations, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. FTIR along with potentiometric and conductometric titration was used to confirm the carboxymethylation of methyl cellulose. For both systems, polyampholytic behaviour was observed in a pH range of 4-9. The microgels showed swelling at low and high pH values and deswelling at isoelectric point (IEP). Zeta potential values confirmed the presence of positive charges on the microgel at low pH, negative charges at high pH and neutral charge at the IEP. For chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system, temperature dependent behaviour was observed with dynamic light scattering. The second research project involved the study of binding interaction between nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and an oppositely charged surfactant tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB). NCC is a crystalline form of cellulose obtained from natural sources like wood, cotton or animal sources. These rodlike nanocrystals prepared by acid hydrolysis of native cellulose possess negatively charged surface. The interaction between negatively charged NCC and cationic TTAB surfactant was examined and it was observed that in the presence of TTAB, aqueous suspensions of NCC became unstable and phase separated. A study of this kind is imperative since NCC suspensions are proposed to be used in personal care applications (such as shampoos and conditioners) which also consist of surfactant formulations. Therefore, NCC suspensions would not be useful for applications that employ an oppositely charged surfactant. In order to prevent destabilization, poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) chains were grafted on the NCC surface to prevent the phase separation in presence of a cationic surfactant. Grafting was carried out using the free radical approach. The NCC-TTAB polymer surfactant interactions were studied via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface tensiometry, conductivity measurements, phase separation and zeta potential measurements. The major forces involve in these systems are electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. ITC and surface tension results confirmed two kinds of interactions: (i) electrostatically driven NCC-TTAB complexes formed in the bulk and at the interface and (ii) hydrophobically driven TTAB micellization on the NCC rods. Conductivity and surface tension results confirmed that the critical micelle concentration of TTAB (CMCTTAB) shifted to higher values in the presence of NCC. Phase separation measurements allowed us to identify the formation of large aggregates or hydrophobic flocs depending on the TTAB concentration. Formation of NCC-TTAB complexes in aqueous solutions was confirmed by a charge reversal from negative to positive charge on the NCC rods. The effect of electrolyte in shielding the negative charges on the NCC was observed from ITC, surface tensiometry and phase separation experiments. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the above results. Grafting of PEGMA on the NCC surface was confirmed using FTIR and ITC experiments. In phase separation experiments NCC-g-PEGMA samples showed greater stability in the presence of TTAB compared to unmodified NCC. By comparing ITC and phase separation results, an optimum grafting ratio (PEGMA : NCC) for steric stabilization was also proposed.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-21T18:53:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Paula Travalini.pdf: 3027594 bytes, checksum: bce498a3a112f4874728442be07d1f8d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-13 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crop with high production yields in Brazil, and with processing, it generates large amounts of a high-moist solid byproduct that is of difficult destination. This byproduct known as bagasse or massa by the cassava starch producers shows high levels of starch and fiber. Thus, the aim of this study was to extract, characterize and modify the fiber cassava bagasse (FBM) for applying in composites, besides getting nanocrystalline cellulose. In order to remove residual starch form the pulp an enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out, leaving only the cassava fiber, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Selected analyses were performed to confirm complete removal of starch such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and color analysis. To incorporate the fiber in a polymeric matrix, we carried out a chemical modification by acetylation of the fibers, making them more hydrophobic, facilitating achievement of composites. After modification, mid-infrared spectroscopic analysis (FTIR) was performed to verify the substitution of hydroxyl groups. The composite (5, 10 and 20 % fiber) were obtained in a twin screw extruder, followed by injection. The test pieces were submitted to tensile test and flexure, SEM, DSC and color analysis, and they presented homogeneous mixture. The nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was developed from three bleaching stages of fiber for higher removal of lignin, followed by acid hydrolysis, dialysis and centrifugation, and subsequent analyses were performed in zeta potential to verify size reduction of cellulose particles, and morphological analysis (SEM). The NCC obtained from FBM was compared with NCC obtained from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The CNCs remained suspension stable and low particle sizes, while the CNC-FBMB resulted in a high degree of crystallinity. / A mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) consiste em uma planta com altos índices de produção no Brasil, sendo que com o processamento, gera-se uma grande quantidade de um subproduto fibroso úmido que tem problemas quanto a destinação. Este subproduto, conhecido na agroindústria como bagaço ou massa, apresenta altos teores de amido e fibra. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi extrair, caracterizar e modificar quimicamente a fibra do bagaço de mandioca (FBM), aplicá-la na obtenção de compósitos, além de utilizá-la para obter celulose nanocristalina. Com o intuito de remover o amido residual do bagaço, foi realizada uma hidrólise enzimática, restando apenas a fibra de mandioca composta por celulose, hemicelulose e lignina. Diversas análises foram realizadas a fim de comprovar a completa remoção do amido, como cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), termogravimetria (TG), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e análise de cor. Para incorporar as fibras em uma matriz polimérica, optou-se por realizar uma modificação química por acetilação das fibras, tornando-as mais hidrofóbicas, facilitando a obtenção de compósitos. Após a modificação realizou-se análise em espectroscopia na região do infravermelho médio (FTIR) para verificar a substituição dos grupos hidroxila. Os compósitos (5, 10 e 20 % de fibra) foram obtidos em extrusora dupla rosca, seguida por injeção. Os corpos de prova foram submetidos a ensaios mecânicos de tração e flexão, MEV, DSC e análise de cor, sendo que os mesmos apresentaram uma mistura homogênea. A celulose nanocristalina (CNC) foi desenvolvida a partir de três etapas de branqueamento da fibra para maior remoção da lignina, seguido por hidrólise ácida, centrifugação e diálise, sendo posteriormente realizadas análises em potencial zeta para verificar a redução do tamanho das partículas de celulose, além de análises morfológicas (MEV). A CNC obtida a partir da FBM foi comparada a CNC obtida a partir da celulose microcristalina (CMC). As CNCs apresentaram estabilidade de suspensão e baixos tamanhos de partículas, enquanto que a CNC-FBMB resultou em alto grau de cristalinidade.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-21T20:43:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernanda Izabelle Ditzel.pdf: 4089923 bytes, checksum: 47704f1f43b93ae17b2605e30dc4d650 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-08 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Nanocrystalline cellulose is an aqueous suspension containing whiskers which have high crystallinity and high specific surface area. This material can be obtained from lignocellulosic fibers by means of an acid hydrolysis process. The characteristics of the nanocrystalline cellulose depends of the hydrolysis conditions, which may vary according to the following parameters: concentration of acid, fiber to acid ratio, temperature and reaction time. Therefore, the influence of these parameters was evaluated in a study conducted for the microcrystalline cellulose. From this, optimized conditions were determinated for obtaining nanocrystalline cellulose suspensions with maximum yield or high crystallinity index or high zeta potential. The nanocrystalline cellulose suspension which showed maximum yield was selected for the surface modification with a cationic surfactant and posteriorly submitted to the spray-drying process. The produced, microparticles are suitable for use in the composite processing by extrusion. Based on the optimized hydrolysis conditions, residues of pine wood and corncob were submitted to the process of nanocrystalline cellulose extraction. For this, it was necessary to carry out a procedure for the isolation of cellulose, which consisted of acetosolv pulping and bleaching. The results showed that was possible to extract nanocrystalline cellulose with suitable characteristics for use in industrial applications. Compared with the commercial microcrystalline cellulose, the residues provided a yield approximately 76.0% lower in the nanocellulose extraction. Therefore, further studies are necessary to improve this characteristic. Finally, the black liquor from acetosolv pulping was used for the lignin recovery. It is suggested that lignin can be used economically for the production of aromatic compounds. / A celulose nanocristalina é uma suspensão aquosa contendo whiskers, os quais possuem elevadas cristalinidade e área superficial específica. Esta pode ser obtida a partir de fibras lignocelulósicas por meio de um processo de hidrólise ácida. As características da celulose nanocristalina dependem das condições de hidrólise, as quais podem variar de acordo com os seguintes parâmetros: concentração de ácido, razão fibra/ácido, temperatura e tempo de reação. Desta forma, a influência destes parâmetros foi avaliada em um estudo realizado para a celulose microcristalina. A partir disto, foram determinadas condições otimizadas para a obtenção de suspensões de celulose nanocristalina com máximo rendimento ou com elevado índice de cristalinidade ou com superior valor de potencial zeta. A suspensão de celulose nanocristalina que apresentou máximo rendimento foi selecionada para a modificação superficial com um surfactante catiônico e posterior secagem por atomização. Com isso, foram produzidas micropartículas para aplicação no processamento por extrusão de compósitos. Com base nas condições otimizadas de hidrólise, resíduos de madeira de pinus e de sabugo de milho foram submetidos ao processo de extração de celulose nanocristalina. Para isto, foi necessária a realização de um procedimento para o isolamento de celulose, o qual consistiu dos pré-tratamentos de polpação acetosolv e de branqueamento. A análise dos resultados mostrou que, a partir dos resíduos considerados, foi possível extrair celulose nanocristalina com características adequadas para uso em aplicações industriais. Contudo, em comparação com a celulose microcristalina comercial, os resíduos proporcionaram um rendimento aproximadamente 76,0 % inferior na extração de nanocelulose. Desta forma, estudos adicionais são necessários para a melhoria desta característica. Por fim, o licor negro proveniente da polpação acetosolv foi utilizado para a recuperação de lignina. Sugere-se que a lignina possa ser utilizada economicamente para a produção de compostos aromáticos.