The effect of Sulfuric acid and Maleic acid on characteristics of nano-cellulose produced from waste office paper

Present paper examines the effect of acid type and hydrolysis conditions on morphology, size, yield and crystallinity of produced cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). Cellulose obtained from waste office paper was hydrolyzed under the same conditions by Maleic acid (MA) and Sulfuric Acid (SA) in separate treatments.  Also this cellulose was hydrolyzed under different timing and temperature by MA and SA. Results showed that produced cellulose nanocrystals have different size, yield and crystallinity under same conditions by MA and SA. MA treatment resulted in higher crystallinity, yield, and disperse solution. Therefore, MA was appeared superior to SA. Based on results the characteristics of nanocrystals are not only depended on hydrolysis conditions, but also on acid type.