Optimization of nanocellulose extraction from Cocos nucifera leaves

The most common scenario in agriculture and food manufacturing is they utilize the fruit or stem of the plants but discard the leaves by open burning or disposing them into the river which causes water and air pollution. Nanocellulose fabricated from abundant agricultural waste could be one of the alternative solutions to overcome environmental pollution. In this study, nanocellulose was extracted from the dried leaves of Cocos nucifera (Coconut). The process was carried out using formic acid, peroxy formic acid and sodium hypochlorite bleaching. The interaction of three independent variables was studied during the formic acid pulping stage. The optimum condition for the formic acid pulping was set by 85% concentration of formic acid and incubation in the water bath at 70℃ for 1 hr. This study showed a simple and inexpensive method to extract nanocellulose. The products provided insight into the kinetic model of nanocellulose and the potential usages of nanocellulose as substitutes for renewable sources of energy and applications in various fields.