Conversion of sugarcane bagasse into cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and polymer membrane electrolyte and their characterization

Petroleum-derived products have long been used as raw materials for synthesizing polymers. The diminished petroleum reserves and growing environmental consciousness have prompted a shift toward sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable organic materials derived from agricultural biomass, offer a promising pathway to produce eco-efficient polymers. Cellulose transformation into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a focal point, as CMC's water solubility and polymeric characteristics facilitate diverse applications, particularly in energy storage systems. This research aims to study the variations in chemical treatments on biomass, focusing on sugarcane bagasse as a case study. Chemical and steam explosion pretreatments were applied to the bagasse, leading to enhanced cellulose recovery, with cellulose content increasing from 52.7% to 65.4%, and overall yield improving from 35.3% to 49.1%. SEM and FT-IR analyses revealed significant structural changes. In contrast, XRD analysis indicated a rise in the crystallinity index from 34.8% in untreated bagasse to 70.5% in treated samples, with a reduction in crystallite size. The synthesis of CMC demonstrated a peak degree of substitution (DS) of 0.82 using 25% NaOH, resulting in CMC with improved solubility and flexibility. CMC films prepared with different binding agents, such as glycerol, demonstrated optimal flexibility, conductivity, and mechanical strength, making them suitable for polymer electrolyte applications. Analysis of CMC polymer films highlighted glycerol (15 wt%) as the most effective binding agent, enhancing the film's fold endurance and flexibility. These findings underscore the potential of biomass-derived polymer membranes to replace petroleum-based materials and contribute to sustainable development.