Production of TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers (CNFs) and Characterization
The TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) oxidation process is a widely used method for modifying cellulose,
as it selectively oxidizes the surface of cellulose fibers without significantly affecting their internal structure.
This method is particularly valued for its ability to produce nanofibers with high crystallinity, and good water dispersibility,
making it a promising approach for reinforcing materials. The TEMPO oxidation process introduces carboxyl groups into cellulose,
which facilitates the breakdown of the cellulose into nanocellulose fibers (CNFs) through mechanical processing.
This modification enhances the material's structural and functional properties, making it ideal for
applications requiring strong and lightweight composites.
In this project, I investigated the production of nanocellulose fibers (CNF) from algae biomass using the TEMPO oxidation method. The resulting TEMPO-oxidized algae CNFs exhibited higher crystallinity and thermal stability compared to plant-based CNF. These nanofibers were characterized using XRD, TGA, FTIR, and SEM to assess their crystallinity index, thermal properties, and morphology, confirming their suitability as reinforcement fillers.
I will be sharing images and additional findings from this project once it is published.