Synthesis of Biomass Based Microcrystalline Cellulose for Food Packaging Application

Abstract

The thesis focused on the extraction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from two lignocellulosic waste biomass sources, elephant grass and tea factory waste, and exploration of its potential application in the food packaging sector. MCC was extracted from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) through successive bleaching with alkaline hydrogen peroxide, the synthesized product was characterized using various analytical techniques and compared with the commercially available MCC. The prepared elephant grass microcrystalline cellulose was then incorporated as reinforcing fillers into the polymer matrix of corn starch films. The filler significantly improved the thermal, mechanical, and water barrier properties