Addressing microwave irradiation for the facile preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose

= 300.71 °C), zeta potential measurement (δ = -44.50 mV) and production yield (61.50 %). The intensification of dipolar rotation and ionic conduction during microwave-assisted processing preserves the crystallinity and stability of the final product, and enables scalable NCC production for diverse applications.•Facile preparation technique of nanocrystalline cellulose.•Microwave-assisted alkalization, bleaching and acid hydrolysis reactions.•Preservation of morphological structure, shape, size, crystallinity, functionality, thermostability and surface charge.