Conversion of Rice Straw into Cellulose Nanofibers for smart delivery systems

Date: 28 September 2023

Country: India

Application

• The project explores using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from rice straw as smart delivery systems for slow-release fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It also offers a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing the harmful practice of rice straw burning.

Description

This project explores the potential of converting rice straw, a major agricultural waste, into cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) for use in smart fertilizer delivery systems. Various pre-treatment methods—alkali, steam explosion, and organosolv—were applied to extract cellulose, which was then fibrillated into CNFs using ball milling. The study highlights the effectiveness of alkali-based treatment in yielding high cellulose content and improved fiber morphology. These cellulose nanofibers, characterized by their small diameter and surface charge, present a sustainable alternative to traditional practices like burning rice straw, with applications in reducing environmental impact and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Pathway Description:

The process involves collecting and preparing rice straw, followed by pre-treatment using alkali, steam explosion, and organosolvent methods to extract cellulose. The cellulose is then converted into cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) using a ball milling process and characterized through techniques like SEM, FTIR, and XRD.