Preparation of Nanocellulose from Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) via Chemical and Chemo-mechanical Processes

A fundamental understanding of the relationships between basic fiber properties, methods of processing, and composite end use performance properties has been well developed due to recent advances within the biocomposites research community. Simultaneously, advanced engineered biocomposites are currently being developed to meet the diverse needs of users for high-performance materials as well as economical commodity products. Advancements in nanotechnology have led to industrial isolation of nanocrystalline cellulose [1, 2]. While nanocrystalline cellulose may be only 1/10 as strong as carbon nanotubes – currently the strongest known structural material [3, 4] – it may cost 50–1,000 times less to produce [5, 6]. Engineered biocomposites employing nanocrystalline cellulose reinforcement could soon provide advanced performance, durability, value, service life, and utility, while at the same time being a fully sustainable technology.