Extraction of Cellulose from Corn Tassel Using Alkaline Pretreatment and Bleaching Process

Abstract

This study explores the extraction of cellulose from corn tassels using an alkaline pretreatment followed by a bleaching process, aiming to address the challenge of non-biodegradable microbead production. The process involved the delignification of corn tassels using a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, followed by bleaching with a combination of NaOH and acetic acid. The cellulose was then characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The results showed that the alkaline treatment effectively removed hemicellulose, lignin, and other impurities, enhancing the cellulose content and altering its structural and thermal properties. The extracted cellulose exhibited a crystallinity index of 44.97%, with a higher amorphous content of 55.03%, indicating the presence of disordered materials. TGA analysis revealed that the cellulose underwent two-step thermal decomposition, with a primary stage between 46.75°C and 349.02°C, and a secondary phase from 396.82°C to 697.43°C. The study demonstrates that corn tassels, often regarded as agricultural waste, can be effectively utilized to extract cellulose, offering a sustainable alternative for applications requiring biodegradable materials.