Date of Graduation
12-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Chemical Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Ubeyitogullari, Ali
Committee Member/Reader
Walker, Heather
Committee Member/Second Reader
Atungulu, Griffiths
Committee Member/Third Reader
Ahmadzadeh, Safoura
Committee Member/Fourth Reader
Hestekin, Jamie
Abstract
Biodegradable, highly porous, ultra-lightweight, and high-surface-area aerogels from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and corn starch mixtures were synthesized through a simple, green process, specifically supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) drying. Five weight ratios of samples were generated (pure MCC, 2:1 MCC-starch, 1:1 MCC-starch, 1:2 MCC-starch, and pure starch) and were then subjected to a variety of characterization experiments relating to textural and thermal properties as well as morphology, crystallinity, and chemical interactions. Overall, the 1:2 MCC-starch aerogel had the lowest density (0.04 g/cm3), and highest porosity (97%). Conversely, the pure MCC aerogel demonstrated the highest mechanical strength (Young’s modulus of 48.9 MPa), highest thermal stability (peak degradation temperature of 317.6 °C), and highest specific surface area (302 m2/g). Due to their biodegradability, renewability, high surface areas, and highly porous structures, these generated aerogels are promising insulators and advanced packaging materials, potentially serving as a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam.
Keywords
aerogel, supercritical carbon dioxide, drying, starch, cellulose, nanoporous
Citation
Sagardui, A. (2022). Synthesis and Characterization of Aerogels from Cellulose-Starch Mixtures for Advanced Packaging Applications. Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cheguht/188