Effect of Leaf Powdering Technique on the Characteristics of Date Palm-Derived Cellulose

Abstract

The date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is the oldest cultivated tree and is very commonly seen in the Arab countries. In recent times, researchers are working on the conversion of the plant-based biowaste into value-added products. Cellulose is identified as one of the best options to be synthesized from plant-based materials due to its immense application possibilities. It is a natural hydrophilic polymer consisting of linear chains of 1,4-β-d-anhydroglucose units, and the most used method for cellulose extraction is acidic hydrolysis. However, in this study, a very sustainable, ecofriendly, and simple process of isolating cellulose from date palm leaves is discussed. In this study, the best mechanical approach (ball milling, grinding, or its combination) for changing the leaves into powder form, as well as the sustainable and simple chemical extraction of cellulose from those date palm leaves, is analyzed. SEM analyses confirmed that the mechanical treatment process affected the appearance of the cellulose formed. Raman spectrum confirmed the difference in stretching vibrations among the cellulose obtained. From the results obtained, it was noted that cellulose derived utilizing the grinding technique and subsequent chemical treatment was considered as the finest cellulose prepared with respect to its properties and structure, and the greatest yield obtained for Cellulose 2 was 42%. As a future scope, this cellulose developed can be used to produce advanced materials like nanocellulose.