Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibers From Coconut Coir Fibers

Cellulose nanofibers were isolated from coconut coir fibers by chemical treatment using alkaline, mineral acids and inorganic salts, followed by mechanical treatment and disintegration methods like sonication, cryo crushing and dissolution. The size and morphology of cellulose nanofibers were investigated by using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The width of synthesized cellulose nanofibers investigated by the FESEM was around 30 nm to 90 nm and few microns in length. Elemental analysis of cellulose nano fibers were confirmed with the Energy Dispersive Analysis (EDS) results. XRD study was conducted for the crystalline property of cellulose nanofibers synthesized from coconut coir fibers using standard microcrystalline cellulose as reference. FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups, C-H bond and the C-O-C groups in the synthesized cellulose nanofibers. The cellulose nano fibers were successfully utilized in the preparation of transparent thin film, filtration and water treatment.