Extraction and characterization of microcrystalline cellulose from Vachellia nilotica plant leaves: A biomass waste to wealth approach.

Biobased waste utilization is an intriguing area of research and an ecologically conscious approach. Plant-based materials can be used to render cellulose, which is an eco-friendly material that can be used in numerous aspects. In the current investigation, cellulose was extracted from the leaves of the Vachellia nilotica plant via acid hydrolysis. The application of this research is specifically directed toward the utilization of undesirable plant sources. To validate the extracted cellulose, FT-IR spectroscopy was applied. The cellulose was measured to have a density of 1.234 g/cm. The crystallinity index (58.93%) and crystallinity size (11.56 nm) of cellulose are evaluated using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy analysis. The highest degradation temperature (320.8°C) was observed using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry curve analysis. The analysis of particle size was conducted utilizing images captured by scanning electron microscopy. Particle size of less than 30 μm was found and they exhibit non-uniform orientation. Additionally, atomic force microscopy analysis shows an improved average surface roughness (Ra), which increases the possibility of using extracted cellulose as reinforcement in biofilms.