Compositional Analysis and Characterisation of Non-edible Plant Biomass for Carboxymethyl Cellulose Production

This study assesses the compositional analysis and characterization of eight non-edible plant biomass identified as a potential feedstock to produce carboxymethyl cellulose. The materials' contents were ascertained by gravimetric analysis, and they were further characterized using Fourier transforms Infrared spectroscopy. According to the research, cellulose was present in substantial amounts ranging from 33 % to 41 %, with sugarcane bagasse having the highest concentration. The percentage of hemicellulose ranged from 18 % to 28 %, with corn cob having the highest percentage. Also discovered was that lignin content varied between 9 % and 22 %, with mahogany having the highest amount amongst the samples. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis of all eight samples reveals a broad band at around 3300 cm^-1, which is caused by the stretching vibration of the cellulose's O-H groups. The observed peaks at 1600 cm^-1 and 1500 cm^-1 correlated to the hemicellulose and lignin's respective C=O and C=C stretching vibrations. Additionally, a significant sharp peak that matched the stretching vibrations in the skeleton of the pyranose ring, C-O-C, was seen at roughly 1050 cm^-1. Thus, the findings of this study indicate that all eight samples can yield a respectable amount of cellulose, suggesting that these wastes may serve as feedstocks for the creation of biopolymers like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

I. Introduction

An agronomic country like Nigeria is rich in many non-edible plant biomass (NEPB), among which are bagasse, cobs, husks, agave, straws, stalks, peels, and varieties of sawdust. NEPB has received a lot of attention recently as a renewable source for the creation of green bioenergy, biochemicals, biopolymers and bioproducts [1]. Significant amounts of these wastes are produced by cities, forestry, pulp and paper companies, agriculture, and other sectors [2]. NEPB are widely available, reasonably priced, and renewable[3], [4]. It is anticipated that 10 billion tons or more of NEPB are accumulated globally each year [5]. In Nigeria alone, annual accumulation of NEPB is about 32 million tons [5]. Most of these wastes are ultimately piled or burned outdoors by nearby farmers, releasing a lot of smoke that is exceedingly dangerous to both human health and the environment [1], [5]. Due to a lack of information, majority of farmers are unaware of the benefits of recycling waste and its potential economic impact. The potential for waste-to-wealth businesses is very strong in Nigeria and numerous benefits may result from expanding this business's prospects. Utilizing such wastes will automatically address Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 which stands for industry, innovation, and infrastructure as well as SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). These objectives will contribute not only to the profitable reuse of abandoned waste materials but also to the alleviation of environmental pressure brought on by garbage.