Effect of lignin on the thermal properties of nanocrystalline prepared from kenaf core

Lignin and cellulose work together to provide a structural function in plants. While cellulose is the primary load-bearing element, lignin acts as the matrix that provides stiffness and rigidity to the fibre. In the production of nanocellulose, the removal of lignin is essential which is done through bleaching. Nevertheless, studies have shown that lignin can impart positive effects on thermal stability besides being a natural compatibilizer due to the presence of both aliphatic and polar groups in the chain network. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of lignin on the thermal properties of nanocrystalline cellulose prepared from kenaf core. Nanocellulose of different lignin content was prepared by undergoing first, pulping using 20 % NaOH and 0.1 % anthraquinone (AQ) followed by a bleaching sequence. The study shows that, sample having the least amount of lignin had good thermal stability during the first and second stage of decomposition by shifting the temperature higher as compared to sample with higher lignin content. However, when the temperature reached more than 300 degrees C up to the end of the degradation process, the latter gave a higher amount of residue suggesting that lignin can help the NCC to withstand heat better.