Thermal properties of nanocrystalline cellulose and cellulose nanowhisker

Nanocellulose is a renewable and sustainable biomass product which could be derived from natural fibers for various applications. At present study, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and cellulose nanowhisker (CNW) are extracted from roselle fiber through different combination of acid hydrolysis and ultrasonication processes. The thermal properties of both types nanocellulose are compared in order to study their different decomposition behavior towards high temperature. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, NCCs had significantly lower decomposition temperature than that of CNWs, particularly those extracted under mild condition of the combined processes. However, under harsh condition of the combined processes, the derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curve revealed decrement in peak decomposition temperatures for both NCC and CNW products. This was in line with the sequential occurrence of endothermic and exothermic behaviors as presented in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve analysis. Hence, as evaluated from the overall comparative results, CNW could be utilized as a promising reinforcing agent for composite materials fabrication.