Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from Diss plant: bleaching treatment effect

Abstract In this work, we investigate the efficiency of different pretreatment methods and their impact on the characteristics of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) extracted from the Diss plant, a widely available plant in the North African region. Two extraction methodologies were employed, focusing on the effects of bleaching treatments using hydrogen peroxide and sodium chlorite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the effective removal of non-cellulosic materials, yielding CNCs with a cellulose I crystalline structure. The Zeta potential analysis revealed an increased presence of hydroxyl groups on the CNC surface. Scanning electron microscopy showed that CNCs tend to form agglomerates upon drying. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the CNCs exhibit considerable thermal stability, with degradation temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 350 °C.