Organic Chemistry: Current Research
Open Access

Chemical/Enzymatic treatments of soybean straw for cellulose nanofiber production and their potential application as reinforcing filler in soy protein films

3^rd International Conference on Organic and Inorganic Chemistry

July 17-19, 2017 Chicago, USA

Milena Martelli Tosi

University of S�?£o Paulo, Brazil

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Organic Chem Curr Res

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: Current environmental issues have prompted the search for reinforcement additives in polymeric matrixes, aiming at the improvement of their functional and mechanical properties. Soybean straw (SS) is a lignocellulosic agro-industrial residue available in large amounts throughout the world and considered a rich source for obtaining cellulose nanofibers. The purpose of this study was (i) to investigated changes in the chemical composition and structure of soybean straw (SS) after pre-treatments with alkali (NaOH 17.5%) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); (ii) to produce cellulose nanofibers from pre-treated SS and (iii) to evaluate SS fiber/nanofibers as reinforcement filler in soy protein films (SPF) at 5% w/w. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were obtained using commercial available enzymes (xylanase/cellulases, 42 h at 50oC in pH 4.0) and cellulose nanowhiskers ��? CNW) by acid hydrolysis (H2SO4 64%, 40 min at 70oC). Film processing is presented in Figure 1. Findings: Pre-treatments were able to remove the amorphous constituents increasing the degree of crystallinity and the content of cellulose fibers. Moreover, the treatment with NaOH 17.5% contributed to the allomorph transition from cellulose I to II. The incorporation of nanofibers into soy protein films (thickness: 55 to 81 m) promoted higher tensile strength (TS) and Young��?s modulus (YM), but lower elongation at break (EB). This effect was more evident when CNF were added to the film: TS increased from 5.6 to 9.7 MPa, YM rose from 298 to 575 MPa, and EB decreased by 50% (from 30 to 17%). CNW had practically the same effect on the TS, with higher values of YM, but lower values of EB. The residual sugars presented in CNF suspension, as a product of enzymatic action, might have contributed as plasticizer. Conclusion & Significance: The applied enzymatic processes are environmentally friendly and suitable for nanofiber extractions proper for application as reinforcement material.

Biography :

Email: mmartelli@usp.br