Effect of Sulphuric Acid Concentration on Nanocellulose Derived from Pineapple Peels

Abstract

Pineapple peel, which is often discarded as agricultural and industrial waste, is rich in cellulose and holds significant potential as a source for producing nanocellulose. Nanocellulose is highly valuable in fields such as packaging, biomedicine, and composites due to its exceptional mechanical strength, biodegradability, and crystalline structure. Optimising the extraction of nanocellulose via sulphuric acid hydrolysis is crucial, as acid concentration directly affects yield, structural properties, and thermal stability. This study investigates the impact of varying sulphuric acid concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30%) on nanocellulose fibres extracted from pineapple peels.