Isolation and characterization of microcrystalline cellulose from rice stalk agro-waste and its application in enhancing inherent properties of PBAT biofilm

This study addresses the global demand for sustainable materials by isolating and characterizing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from rice stalk agro-waste and applying it to enhance the mechanical properties of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) biofilms . Rice stalk MCC (RSMCC) was extracted using chemical treatments, including alkalization, acid hydrolysis , and bleaching. The extracted MCC was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–visible spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). RSMCC was incorporated into the PBAT films at 0–5 wt% concentrations using the solution casting method, and the biofilms' mechanical properties were evaluated. RSMCC exhibited a crystallinity index of 75.75 %, thermal stability up to 200 °C, and an average particle size of 134.068 µm. Incorporating 4 wt% RSMCC into PBAT achieved the highest tensile strength (28.16 MPa) and modulus (15.92 MPa). The results demonstrated RSMCC's effectiveness of RSMCC as a reinforcing agent, enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of PBAT biofilms. These findings support RSMCC's potential of RSMCC for the development of biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials . • Rice stalk agro-waste microcrystalline cellulose (RSMCC) was isolated and characterized. • Addition of 4 wt.% RSMCC boosts tensile strength and improves thermal stability. • Characterizations confirmed MCC and biofilm structural integrity. • PBAT biofilms reinforced with RSMCC had better water barrier. • Further LCA, and biodegradation behavior studies to improve industrial application.