Extraction of nano cellulose fibers from the banana peel and bract for production of acetyl and lauroyl cellulose.

The principal aim of the present study is to develop a method for the production of cellulose nanofibers, from the banana peel (BP) and bract (BB). It is also the aim of this study to produce cellulose-based biopolymers through acetyl and lauroyl modifications. The microwave digestion method and ball milling assisted ultra-sonication method was optimized for sustainable extraction of micro and nano cellulose fibers, respectively. The microwave digestion method was found to be effective in the removal of hemicellulose and lignin. Micro and nano cellulose fibers of BP and BB were found to contain type I cellulose structure. Thermal stability and crystallinity index of cellulose nanofibers were examined to be higher than it's native micro cellulose. Nano cellulose fibers were examined to be a potential source for production of acetyl and lauroyl cellulose, with a high degree of substitution and thermal stability. Hence, microwave digestion and ball milling assisted ultra-sonication method was proven to be effective in the extraction of nano cellulose fiber for development of cellulose-based polymers.