Nanocellulose recovery from domestic wastewater

Wastewater solids could be an attractive source of secondary raw cellulose, mainly originating from toilet paper. Cellulose can recovered through sieving wastewater, return sludge, or excess sludge. In particular, a large fraction cellulose (13–15%) found in the sludge aerobic granular produced by Nereda® wastewater technology. A extraction method was developed during this study, allowing recovery pulp with over 86 wt% purity. The derived fibres excellent for production nanocrystals (rCNC). Several pre-treatment steps needed (CNC) wood are already performed Here, technical feasibility such rCNC is studied. As reference materials, microcrystalline and paper were also used. obtained acid hydrolysis, yields ?30 (pulp basis). wastewater-based material rod-like, high aspect ratio (10–14), crystallinity (62–68%), chemical structure similar to commercial CNC. yield per gram influent 22%, while it less (4%). Bio-nanocomposites alginate investigated. At 50 vol% loading rCNC, there 50% relative increase stiffness (18 GPa) compared matrix (12 GPa). characterization positive impact composite materials confirms suitable quality Ultimately, nanocellulose tangible example that high-end products possible, line circular economy.