Urea Precooled

BRIEF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention aims to provide a method for preparing a bio-based material that includes extracting celluloses from lignocellulosic biomass and regenerating a cellulose film. After that, preparing a metal-graphene oxide nano-composite and subsequently mixing the metal-graphene oxide nanocomposite into the cellulose film solution to form an interaction mixture. Subsequently, the interaction mixture is coagulated in a nonsolvent coagulant, and a highly porous structure of a cellulose membrane is regenerated. 

INSPIRATION OF THE INVENTION

Utilize kenaf core cellulose by dissolving it in the alkali/urea system using a pre-cooling method, which is environmentally friendly. Green chemicals using alkali/urea (NaOH/urea and LiOH/urea) solvents is a green process and low cost. It offers an inexpensive and less toxic system as compared to other solvents developed previously. 

PROBLEM STATEMENT & CURRENT ISSUES

Cellulose is easily dissolved in various solvents such as LiCl/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) ionic liquids at high temperatures. However, an alternative green solvent of alkali/urea can easily dissolve cellulose at a pre-cooled temperature of -13°C. Therefore, cellulose was extracted from the kenaf core and dissolved in an alkali/urea solution. The dissolved cellulose was then modified with a crosslinking agent to form cellulose hydrogel and functionalized with graphene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, and magnetite to form a regenerated cellulose product for high-end applications.

INVENTIVENESS  & NOVELTY

Embodiments of the present invention relate to preparing cellulose-based material and more particularly to a method of preparing cellulose-based material from lignocellulosic biomasses and a method of preparing hydrogel from the lignocellulosic biomasses. Further, the method is inexpensive, efficient and environmentally friendly.

USEFULNESS & APPLICATION

  • Absorption material: wastewater treatment, sanitary, hygienist used, absorption towel, etc
  • Hydroponic plant
  • Biotechnology – genetic growth flower (Sta-Green Moisture Max)
  • Control- and slow-release fertilizer and water uphold 

IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT

MARKET POTENTIAL 

  • Plantation for water holding materials/fertilizer
  • Sanitary and hygienist: diapers, absorbance sheets (hospital use) etc. 
  • Plant pot and decorations

TRL :  5

Project Leader : Prof. Dr. Sarani Zakaria

Co-Researcher : Prof. Madya Dr. Chia Chin Hua, Dr. Hatika Kaco

Dept./Fac./Inst : Applied Physics

Expertise : Lignocellulose composite, pulp and paper, biorefinery, nanotechnology, cellulose derivatives and regenerated products, bioresin

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