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0НАУЧНЫЙ ЖУРНАЛ
НАУКА И МИРОВОЗЗРЕНИЕ
УДК-676.3
EXTRACTION OF CELLULOSE FROM CORN STRAW Sheker Atageldiyeva
Supervisor: Lecturer of Oguz han Engineering and Technology University of
Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Ekayev Mukam
Supervisor: Lecturer of Oguz han Engineering and Technology University of
Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Gulzada Annanurova Kakamyradovna
Student of Oguz han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Cellulose, a natural polymer, is one of the most abundant biopolymers on Earth, found in plant cell walls. With the growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly materials, the extraction of cellulose from agricultural residues such as corn straw has gained significant attention. Corn straw, a byproduct of corn cultivation, is rich in cellulose and offers an excellent source for cellulose extraction, which can be used in various industries, including paper production, biofuels, and bioplastics.
1. Introduction
Corn straw is a byproduct of corn farming that is often discarded or burned, contributing to environmental pollution. However, it contains valuable cellulose, which can be extracted and used in various applications. The extraction of cellulose from corn straw can help reduce waste, promote sustainability, and provide a renewable source for industrial products.
2. Chemical Composition of Corn Straw
Corn straw consists of lignocellulosic material, primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose typically constitutes around 40-50% of corn straw, making it the most abundant component and a potential resource for various industrial applications. To extract cellulose efficiently, it is essential to remove the other components, particularly hemicellulose and lignin, which hinder the extraction process.
3. Methods of Cellulose Extraction
Several methods can be used to extract cellulose from corn straw, including mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches. The most common and efficient methods include:
3.1. Chemical Methods:
Chemical methods involve the use of solvents or chemicals to break down the lignin and hemicellulose, leaving behind the cellulose. Common chemical treatments include:
• Alkaline treatment: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is often used to remove lignin and hemicellulose, leaving behind cellulose.
• Acid hydrolysis: This method uses acidic solutions, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4), to break down hemicellulose, with cellulose being separated in the process.
• Bleaching: After alkaline or acid treatment, bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) can be applied to further purify the cellulose.
3.2. Mechanical Methods:
Mechanical methods involve grinding or milling the corn straw to separate the cellulose. While this method is more environmentally friendly, it often requires additional treatments to ensure the removal of non-cellulosic components.
3.3. Biological Methods:
Enzymatic treatment using cellulases and other enzymes is a more recent and eco-friendly approach to cellulose extraction. This method involves the use of specific microorganisms or enzymes that break down lignin and hemicellulose, leaving behind cellulose. Although it is more environmentally sustainable, it is still less common due to higher costs and longer processing times.
4. Process of Extracting Cellulose from Corn Straw
The process of cellulose extraction generally involves several steps:
1. Pretreatment: The corn straw is cleaned to remove any dirt and debris. It is then treated with a chemical solution (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to remove lignin and hemicellulose.
2. Cellulose Extraction: After pretreatment, the remaining material is subjected to further chemical treatments, such as acid hydrolysis or bleaching, to purify the cellulose.
3. Washing and Drying: The extracted cellulose is thoroughly washed to remove residual chemicals. It is then dried to obtain pure cellulose fibers.
4. Characterization: The extracted cellulose is characterized using various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to confirm its purity and structure.
5. Applications of Cellulose Extracted from Corn Straw
The cellulose extracted from corn straw can be used in several industries:
• Paper and Pulp Industry: One of the most common applications of cellulose is in the production of paper and cardboard.
• Bioplastics: Cellulose can be converted into bioplastics, which are environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
• Textiles: Cellulose is used in the textile industry to produce fibers such as rayon and lyocell.
• Biofuels: Cellulose can be used in the production of biofuels through processes like enzymatic hydrolysis to generate ethanol.
• Pharmaceuticals and Food Industry: Cellulose is used as a binder in pharmaceuticals and as a food additive in the form of dietary fiber.
6. Environmental Benefits
The extraction of cellulose from corn straw not only provides a valuable resource for
industry but also offers significant environmental benefits:
• Waste Reduction: By utilizing corn straw, an agricultural byproduct, the amount of waste generated from corn farming is reduced.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Using renewable resources such as corn straw for cellulose production helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Sustainable Materials: The use of plant-based materials like cellulose in various industries contributes to the development of sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials.
7. Challenges and Future Directions
While the extraction of cellulose from corn straw holds great promise, there are several
challenges to overcome:
• Efficiency: The extraction process can be energy-intensive, particularly when using chemical methods. Finding more energy-efficient and sustainable methods is a key area of research.
• Cost: The cost of cellulose extraction from agricultural residues can be higher compared to other sources of cellulose. Reducing the cost through process optimization and scale-up is essential for commercial viability.
• Environmental Impact: Although cellulose extraction from corn straw is more eco-friendly than synthetic alternatives, the chemicals used in the extraction process can still have environmental impacts if not properly managed.
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8. Conclusion
The extraction of cellulose from corn straw is a promising approach to utilizing agricultural waste for sustainable industrial applications. By optimizing the extraction process and exploring new methods, it is possible to unlock the full potential of corn straw and contribute to a circular economy. With further advancements, this process can help reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and provide a renewable source of cellulose for various industries.
References
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Klemm, D., Heublein, B., Fink, H. P., & Bohn, A. (2005). "Cellulose: Fascinating Biopolymer and Sustainable Raw Material." Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 44(22), 3358-3393.
DOI: 10.1002/anie.200460587
Sun, Y., & Cheng, J. Y. (2002). "Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Materials for Ethanol Production: A Review." Bioresource Technology, 83(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.1016/S0960-8524(01)00112-3
Zhao, X., & Li, Y. (2014). "Effect of Alkaline Treatment on the Structural and Chemical Properties of Cellulose from Corn Stover." Industrial Crops and Products, 58, 84-90. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.03.026
Sharma, V., & Pandey, A. (2018). "Enzymatic Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Review." Biotechnology Advances, 36(5), 1346-1355. DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.04.009
Rosa, P., Costa, M., & Rasteiro, M. G. (2018). "Cellulose Extraction from Agricultural Residues: A Comprehensive Review." Bioresources, 13(1), 51-69. DOI: 10.15376/biores.13.1.51-69
