Cellulose fibers production from agricultural waste and use as functional cellulose additive in polylactic acid bioplastic films

Year 2026, Volume: 35 Issue: 1, 48 - 64

Filiz Boran , Nihal Güzel , Emel Tamahkar Irmak , Ömer Barışkan Yasan , Selin Karaca , Betül Türel Erbay

https://doi.org/10.38042/biotechstudies.1803284

Abstract

This study explores a sustainable method for bioplastic production using agricultural waste. Polylactic acid (PLA)-based films were developed by incorporating cellulose extracted from rice husks (RH) and sunflower stalks (SS). The cellulose extraction process achieved an average efficiency of 85% based on total agricultural waste mass. Chemical structures of PLA and composite films were examined using FTIR spectroscopy. All films were flexible and transparent, with pure PLA films exhibiting higher transparency. Such properties make PLA films ideal for packaging, biomedical, and electronic applications due to their lightweight and adaptable nature. Films containing SS-derived cellulose showed slightly greater thickness (0.197–0.232 mm) compared to those with RH cellulose. FTIR analysis revealed interactions between PLA and cellulose, indicated by reduced intensity of the –OH stretching band at 3338 cm⁻¹ and PLA characteristic peaks at 1452, 1748, and 1181 cm⁻¹. These changes suggest hydrogen bonding and limited polymer chain mobility due to conformational adjustments. The spectra of composite films resembled those of PLA and cellulose, confirming enhanced crystallinity and molecular interactions. This is the first comparative study using cellulose from both RH and SS in PLA-based bioplastics, demonstrating their combined potential as sustainable reinforcements for biodegradable materials.

Keywords

Polylactic acid , Agricultural waste , Cellulose , Sunflower stalk , Rice husk

Supporting Institution

This study was financially supported by Presidency of Turkey, Presidency of Strategy and Budget coordinated by Council of Higher Education and organized by The Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Hitit University

Project Number

Project Number: MUH19011.21.001

Thanks

The authors thank to HUBTUAM (Hitit University Scientific and Technology, Aplication and Research Center) and R&D Center of Elif Plastik Ambalaj Sanayi ve Tic. A.Ş.-Huhtamaki Flexibles İstanbul for technical support.

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