Use of agroindustrial waste to obtain cellulose from oil palm bagasse (Elaeis guinnensis)

Abstract

Obtain cellulose from oil palm agro-industrial waste that meets standard physicochemical characteristics to produce value-added products. Bagasse fibers from the palm agroindustry were used to obtain cellulose, by means of the acid – alkaline hydrolysis methodology. The samples obtained in each stage and the cellulose obtained were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The final characterized product presented a band corresponding to 1370 cm¹ characteristic of cellulose. The peak at 1731 cm^-1 is related to C=O bonds of unconjugated ketones present in hemicellulose. Major thermal event for treated fiber near to 355 °C, and a high residual mass indicate a good chemical treatment for hemicellulose and lignin elimination.

During the process, a fiber yield of 39.3% cellulose was obtained from oil palm bagasse. Obtaining cellulose from a highly polluting residue such as palm bagasse and with high production figures in our state, this makes it a potential for use to generate biopolymers in combination with natural polysaccharides providing sustainable benefits and economic impact promoting sustainable development by replacing conventional fossil plastics. In addition to obtaining value-added products for the same agribusiness and in sectors such as the food industry.