Characterization of cellulose and sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) straw from five cultivars grown in the humid tropic of Mexico

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the cellulose content and characteristics of sugarcane straw from the cultivars MEX 69-290, MEX 68-P-23, CO-997, SP 70-1284 and CP 72-2086. Design/methodology/approach: A completely random experimental design with six replicates was conducted; the study factor was the sugarcane straw from the five evaluated cultivars. For cellulose extraction, the sodium hydroxide (soda) method was used on dried sugarcane straw of 2 mm. The crystallinity and crystal size were determined with x-ray diffraction (XRD); the fiber length had achieved a measurement with a DMRE optical microscope.   Results: Among the results, it can be noted that the cultivars MEX 69-290 and SP 70-1284, which presented less cellulose content (8.4 g and 8.5 g) and lower yields (42.1% and 42.6%), while the cultivar CO-997, presented higher cellulose content and yield which ranged from 9.8 g to 49.8%. The crystallinity of cellulose was higher in the sugarcane straw from the cultivars SP 70-1284 and MEX 68-P23. The crystal size of cellulose was 2.3 nm. The length of cellulose fibers was small (<945.7 µm). Study limitations/implications: The collection of samples in the field, as well as selected materials for digestion. Findings/conclusions: The sugarcane straw is a potential source of cellulose for the paper industry.