Extraction of Microfibrilated Cellulose Using Waste Garment Cotton Fabrics

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for micro/nano cellulose that is unique and extracted from native cellulose has gained much attention. Because of its remarkable physical properties, specific surface chemistry, biological properties such as biodegradability and low toxicity, renewability and low CO2 emissions into atmosphere during its life cycle, cellulose has gained much attention as a polymer reinforcement material. This study was conducted on extraction of Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) from waste garment cotton fabric as a source of native cellulose. The study examined the surface morphology and structural properties of MFCs extracted by combination of chemical purification and acid hydrolysis process of cotton fibers. Morphological features (Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) and structural features (Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy); X-ray diffraction (XRD) of MFCs were tested. Morphological characterization clearly showed the formation of three dimensional MFCs with sizes in the range of 5-15 µm (length) and 400-600 nm (diameter). Structural features (FTIR) showed purity in MFCs and most of the impurity components have been removed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that MFCs have a higher degree of crystallinity around 56%. These extracted MFCs have a high potential to be used as micro-reinforcement fillers in bio-composites in industrial applications as value-added products.