Extraction of Cellulose from Sugarcane Bagasse Across Agricultural and Forestry

This study investigates the sustainable cellulose extraction from sugarcane bagasse across agricultural, forestry, and plantation sectors. Sugarcane bagasse, a by-product of sugar production, emerges as a promising source of cellulose, offering avenues for value addition and waste reduction within these industries. Three extraction methods were evaluated: soxhlet extraction using ethanol, kraft pulping with NaOH/Na2S, and iCEL machine producing cellulose, extractive, and lignin. Quantitative analysis reveals that soxhlet extraction yields the highest purity of cellulose (75.86±1.54%), followed by the iCEL machine (50.20 ± 12.49%), while kraft pulping shows comparatively lower purity (48.42±3.95%) due to incomplete delignification. Morphological examination indicates that soxhlet extraction preserves cellulose’s native properties, including its white colour and fibrous morphology akin to raw cotton. In contrast, kraft pulping induces degradation, leading to yellowing and lignification of the cellulose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the presence of characteristic cellulose peaks in all samples, with additional peaks indicating residual non-cellulosic components, especially in kraft cellulose. Soxhlet extraction is optimal due to its simplicity, higher purity, and non-destructive nature. Despite its industrial prevalence, kraft pulping exhibits lower efficiency in cellulose extraction. While the iCEL method shows promise, further optimization is needed to enhance consistency. Future research directions may include adapting soxhlet parameters for nanocellulose production and characterizing material properties for diverse applications. Economic feasibility and environmental impact assessments are crucial for the commercialization of lab protocols, thereby supporting sustainable cellulose production from abundant agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of exploring efficient and sustainable methods for cellulose extraction from sugarcane bagasse, with implications for promoting circular economy principles and fostering sustainable development across agricultural, forestry, and plantation sectors.