Poly-(vinyl alcohol) composite films reinforced with carboxylated functional microcrystalline cellulose from jute fiber

Bio-based materials have attracted ample research interest due to their intrinsic beneficial impact on human society. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) extracted from a variety of bioresources is one of the most prominent candidate in this regard. Herein, the MCC was synthesized from jute fiber by a facile ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation method resulting in carboxylic functional groups on the fiber surface. The carboxylated MCC was utilized to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films in a solution casting method. The surface chemistry, thermal properties, and surface morphology of MCC and MCC-PVA composite films were studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The SEM images confirmed the rod-like MCC with average particle diameter 4.6 μm and length in 48.4 μm.…