Deciphering the Secrets of Cellulose for Innovation and Sustainability
Cellulose is a fundamental component of plant cell walls and an important raw material for numerous products and processes. Detailed characterization of cellulose is essential to advance the fields of biofuels, papermaking, textile manufacturing, and nanotechnology. At CD BioGlyco, our best-in-class cellulose analysis services help you unlock the potential of your R&D projects. Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and operated by a team of experienced experts, our laboratories provide you with comprehensive and insightful insights from cellulose extraction and purification to composition and crystallinity analysis. Our cellulose analysis services include:
Crystallinity
X-ray diffraction (XRD): The crystallinity index of cellulose is calculated by analyzing the intensity and position of the diffraction peaks in the diffraction pattern. The XRD method has high precision and high resolution and effectively distinguishes between crystalline and amorphous regions.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): By measuring the infrared absorption peak of the cellulose sample at a specific wave number, the ratio of cellulose in different crystalline forms is analyzed, and then the crystallinity is calculated.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): By measuring the change in heat flow of cellulose during heating, its thermal properties are analyzed to evaluate the crystallinity of cellulose. Cellulose with higher crystallinity usually has a clear melting peak on the DSC curve.
Degree of Polymerization
- Viscosity method: Calculate the degree of polymerization by measuring the intrinsic viscosity of the cellulose solution. It is one of the most commonly used methods for determining the degree of polymerization of cellulose.
- Gel permeation chromatography (GPC): Infer the degree of polymerization by measuring the molecular weight distribution.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): Separate the degradation products of cellulose by liquid phase, and then quantitatively analyze to calculate the degree of polymerization.
Surface Morphology
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): Provide high-resolution microscopic images of the surface of cellulose materials, and observe information such as surface morphology, size distribution, and fiber arrangement.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM): Observe the fine structure inside the material, and provide detailed morphology and arrangement of cellulose nanofibers or microfibers.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM): Measure the topological structure and roughness of the cellulose surface at the nanoscale, and provides information on surface changes of cellulose fibers under different treatment conditions.
Chemical Composition
We use mass spectrometry (MS), IR, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to test the chemical composition of cellulose. MS reveals the basic chemical structure and composition of cellulose. IR determines the functional groups and chemical bonds in cellulose by analyzing characteristic infrared absorption peaks. NMR detects the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei and deeply analyzes the molecular structure and composition of cellulose.
Thermal Properties
We use differential DSC and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to test the thermal properties of cellulose. DSC measures the change in heat flow of cellulose at different temperatures to understand its thermal properties such as melting temperature (Tm) and changes in crystallinity. TGA analyzes the thermal stability, decomposition temperature, and composition of the material by heating the sample in a controlled atmosphere and monitoring the change in its mass with temperature.
Publication
Technology: Alkaline extraction, TGA
Journal: Polymers
IF: 4.7
Published: 2022
Results: The authors used 1.4% acidified sodium chlorite and 5% potassium hydroxide to bleach and alkali extract rice straw, corn cob, Phulae pineapple leaves, and Phulae pineapple peel to obtain cellulose, and characterized their physicochemical properties, microstructure, and thermal properties. The results showed that the corn cob alkali-extracted cellulose sample had the highest extraction rate and its microstructure was similar to that of the alkali-treated pineapple peel cellulose. The corn cob alkali-extracted cellulose sample showed the highest thermal stability and the lowest amorphous area.
Fig.1 TGA of cellulose samples extracted with alkaline processing of agricultural waste materials. (Romruen, et al., 2022)
Applications
- In the field of materials science, cellulose characterization is essential for the development and optimization of cellulose-based composites and biodegradable plastics.
- In the pharmaceutical industry, cellulose characterization helps in the formulation of cellulose-based drug delivery systems and tablets.
- In the paper and textile industries, cellulose characterization improves the quality and performance of cellulose fibers in their products.
- In the field of environmental science, cellulose characterization is essential for the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.
Advantages of Us
- Our team of highly skilled scientists ensures comprehensive and accurate cellulose characterization to meet the specific requirements of a variety of industrial applications, from paper production to bioplastics research.
- Our use of SEM and AFM enables clients to study the micro- and nanoscale surface properties of cellulose fibers with high precision.
- Our high-quality, reproducible data and timely and transparent reporting give you a competitive advantage in the R&D process and promote innovative discoveries in materials science, biotechnology, and related fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key properties analyzed in cellulose?
Cellulose characterization involves analyzing several key properties. The degree of polymerization indicates the number of glucose units in the cellulose molecule and affects its mechanical strength and processing behavior. The crystallinity index measures the proportion of crystalline regions in cellulose, affecting its degradation rate and reactivity. The molecular weight distribution provides information about the size and distribution of cellulose chains. Microscopy techniques assess morphological properties such as fiber length and diameter.
Can you characterize modified or functionalized cellulose?
Yes, the characterization techniques are adapted or extended to study cellulose that has undergone chemical modifications or functionalization. For instance, FTIR and NMR are used to identify new functional groups introduced during modification.
At CD BioGlyco, we provide comprehensive, precise, and reliable cellulose characterization services, such as crystallinity, degree of polymerization, surface morphology, thermal stability, etc. Whether you are involved in biomaterial research, textile engineering, papermaking, or biofuel production, our tailor-made analytical solutions ensure that you gain a deep understanding of the composition, structure, and function of your cellulose samples. Please feel free to contact us, our cutting-edge technology and expert support will meet all your cellulose characterization needs and drive innovation in your work.
Reference
- Romruen, O.; et al. Extraction and characterization of cellulose from agricultural by-products of Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Polymers. 2022, 14(9): 1830.
