Sugarcane bagasse fibre-polyhydroxybutyrate biocomposite : the study of adsorption capacity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2025.156037Abstract
This study aimed to develop a biocomposite based on cellulose acetate (CA), extracted from sugarcane bagasse, and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), to enhance the hydrophobic properties of the resulting biomaterial and improving their efficiency in adsorption processes. It was hypothesised that the incorporation of PHB into the CA matrix would significantly increase the material’s hydrophobicity. The CA/PHB biocomposite was successfully prepared, and water adsorption tests confirmed that the addition of PHB imparted greater hydrophobic character compared to its precursors (bagasse and cellulose). Notably, the biocomposite exhibited the lowest water adsorption (20% in 120 h). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed that the PHB adhered correctly to the biocomposite surface, resulting in a material with high porosity and uniform biopolymer distribution. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the cellulose obtained presents a good thermal stability compared to values reported by other investigations, with decomposition starting at 280°C. The Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) further showed the characteristic functional groups of PHB in the biomaterial and it was also evidenced that the -OH groups contribute significantly to the efficiency of the process. Finally, the adsorption study showed efficiencies of 99%, 91%, and 87% for sugarcane bagasse, cellulose, and CA/PHB, respectively, at 10 ppm and doses of 30 mg. Overall, it was concluded that CA/PHB is the biocomposite with the highest hydrophobic character, maintaining a compelling performance in the adsorption process and highlighting its future use in adsorption columns.References
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