Paper Title
EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOCELLULOSE WITH HIGH ABSORBENCY FROM ARECA NUT SHELLS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND SANITARY APPLICATIONS

Abstract
More than 1 million tons of areca nut shells are generated in India every year but are considered as waste and disposed without any major application. Areca nut shells are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin which are valuable biopolymers. In this study, we have explored the use of areca nut shells for extraction of nanocellulose as an absorbent for removal of pollutants in water and also as a high-capacity absorbent for sanitary applications. Areca nut shells were treated with alkali and then processed to obtain the nanocellulose. About 10 of nanocellulose was obtained from the areca nut shells. The nanocellulose obtained was characterized for its structure and properties using microscopy, spectroscopy, tensile testing etc. Further, the ability of the nanocellulose to remove dyes in waste water and absorb blood necessary for sanitary applications was studied. It was found that the nanocellulose had size of 102.85nm with fibrous appearance. X-ray diffraction showed typical cellulose peaks characteristic of cellulose II. A relatively high sorption potential was obtained with 898% increase in weight for water and 886% for blood. Hence, areca nut can be considered as a unique renewable, sustainable and low-cost source for nanocellulose.