Integral Evaluation of the Cellulose of Tibouchina lepidota (Bonpl.) Baill. for the Valorization of Residues in Sustainable Forestry Management

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4111183/v1

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Integral Evaluation of the Cellulose of Tibouchina lepidota (Bonpl.) Baill. for the Valorization of Residues in Sustainable Forestry Management

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4111183/v1

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This study investigates cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota, a native forest species of Ecuador. It focuses on its potential for industrial use, highlighting its role in the circular economy and carbon footprint reduction. The research explores the use of forest waste as a cellulose source, proposing sustainable alternatives to traditional tree species. The methodology includes botanical identification, sample pretreatment, and cellulose extraction through an alkaline process. The extracted cellulose was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and optical microscopy, examining its morphology, structure, and solubility to determine its typology. Results revealed that particle size significantly influences cellulose extraction yield, with smaller particles showing higher efficiency, confirming it as beta-type via solubility tests in alkaline solutions. Microscopic observations indicated a high-quality filamentous structure, with thin, long, and non-oriented filaments. This research demonstrates the viability of Tibouchina lepidota as a sustainable cellulose source, highlighting its potential for industry and contribution to more sustainable and balanced forest management practices, providing a solid foundation for future developments in bioeconomy and composite material industry.

Cellulose

particle size

extraction

Tibouchina lepidota

characterization

polymers

Cellulose, an abundant organic polysaccharide in nature, has been established as an essential component across multiple industrial sectors [1]. Its presence goes beyond the traditional production of paper and textiles, extending to innovative areas such as bioplastics manufacturing and its role as a reinforcement agent in composite materials. This diversity of applications underscores cellulose's versatility and its capacity to enhance the physical and chemical properties of a wide range of products. Beyond its practical utility, cellulose represents a renewable and sustainable resource, crucial in an era where environmental sustainability and resource efficiency have become global imperatives. Its ability to be recycled and biodegraded makes it a pillar for circular economy initiatives and carbon footprint reduction in industry [2]. In this context, the exploration of alternative cellulose sources emerges as a promising research line. In particular, the search for methods to leverage waste generated by the forestry industry, a potentially rich but often underutilized source of cellulose, stands out [3].

Traditionally, the forestry industry has privileged tree species with high cellulose yield and well-known physicochemical properties, such as eucalyptus and pine [4]. However, this approach has led to the underutilization of a broad spectrum of species, some of which could offer viable and sustainable alternatives [5]. Harnessing these species could not only diversify the industry's resource base, but also mitigate environmental impacts associated with monoculture and overexploitation of certain tree species [6]. In this scenario, Tibouchina lepidota (Bonpl.) Baill., a species native to the tropical regions of the Americas, emerges as a remarkable candidate. Despite its abundance and fast growth, this species has been largely overlooked in scientific research, especially regarding its cellulosic properties and potential applicability in industry [7]. The commonly disregarded Tibouchina lepidota in traditional forestry schemes could not only offer a path towards cellulose source diversification, but also contribute significantly to more sustainable and balanced forest resource management.

This study seeks to fill this research gap by exploring the properties and possibilities of cellulose derived from this species, with the goal of expanding options available to industry and promoting a more holistic and sustainable approach to managing natural resources [8]. The present study focuses on a detailed characterization of cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota, paying special attention to its morphology and structure. Through advanced analytical techniques, we assess the quality and yield of the cellulose, as well as its molecular configuration and physical texture. This comprehensive approach allows us to not only understand the intrinsic properties of cellulose from this species, but also explore its possible applications across various industrial sectors. With this work, we aspire to open new avenues for the valorization of forestry waste, aligning with global sustainable development goals and meeting the growing demand for renewable and eco-friendly materials.

2.1. Botanical Identification

Tibouchina lepidota (Bonpl.) Baill. is a native forest species from Ecuador, representative of ecotones on both the western and eastern slopes. Corresponding to the order Myrtales Juss. ex Bercht. & J. Presl and the family Melastomataceae Juss, it is striking for its colorful blooms, fast growth in the wild, and use in urban afforestation. Specimens were collected in the 9 de Octubre parish of the Morona canton in the Morona Santiago province of Ecuador and the botanical identification was carried out at the herbarium level, in the corresponding department within the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Faculty of Natural Resources and its institutional herbarium

2.2. Sample pretreatment

The collected material was subjected to a drying process in an oven at a constant temperature of 65°C until reaching a constant weight. Subsequently, the dried sample was ground to reduce particle size and sieved to obtain a uniform granulometry, preparing it for cellulose extraction.

2.3. Cellulose extraction

The cellulose extraction from Tibouchina lepidota was carried out using an alkaline methodology, which offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and simplicity [9]. This technique is characterized by its ability to extract cellulose without the need for prior degreasing or exhaustive sample cleaning. The first step in this process consisted of preparing 500 mL of a 10% NaOH solution. The Tibouchina lepidota straw, obtained and prepared previously, was placed in a beaker, completely covering it with the NaOH solution. This alkaline treatment facilitates the separation of lignin and other non-cellulosic components present in the biomass, which is essential to isolate highly pure cellulose [10].

The extraction process continued by heating the mixture on a hot plate until boiling, maintaining a constant temperature of 90°C for 10 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the efficacy of the alkaline extraction. Subsequently, the sample was left to cool to room temperature, followed by exhaustive washing until reaching a pH of 7, indicative of neutralization of alkalinity. The sample was then dried at 65°C. The extraction proceeded with a 4% sulfuric acid treatment, heating and maintaining the boiling mixture for one hour. This step helps to eliminate additional residues and further purify the cellulose. After achieving a neutral pH through successive washings, a treatment was carried out with a 3.5% sodium chlorite solution, heating it in a water bath at 95°C for 40 minutes. Finally, the sample underwent additional treatments with 20% NaOH and 0.5% sodium chlorite solutions, with constant stirring, followed by washings and a final drying at 65°C to obtain pure cellulose [9].

This alkaline method, by not requiring prior degreasing steps or meticulous cleaning, represents a more direct and efficient approach for cellulose extraction, especially suitable for laboratory-scale studies and potential industrial applications [11].

2.4. Characterization of extracted cellulose

2.4.1 FTIR analysis

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to obtain information on the molecular structure of the cellulose. The samples were ground into a fine, uniform powder and analyzed in the range of 4000 to 600 cm^− 1. The obtained spectra were compared to existing reports of cellulose extracted from cotton and wood.

2.4.2 Type of cellulose

To gain deeper insight into the specific characteristics of the cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota, a detailed analysis of its typology was carried out [12]. This analysis is critical, since the physical, chemical, and functional properties of cellulose can vary significantly depending on its specific molecular structure [13]. One of the key approaches in this study was the determination of the solubility of the cellulose in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions of different concentrations, specifically 17.5% and 8%. These concentrations were carefully selected to provide valuable information on the arrangement and accessibility of hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecules [14].

2.4.3 Optical Microscopy

Microscopic observation of the cellulose samples extracted from Tibouchina lepidota played a crucial role in the study, providing detailed insight into its morphology at the microscopic level. Using magnifications of 40X, 60X and 100X, the structural characteristics of the cellulose were thoroughly examined, including its crystalline morphology, the presence of spherulites, fracture surfaces, and other morphological aspects that are essential to understand its behavior and potential applications in industry.

2.4.4 Amount of cellulose extracted

The accurate determination of the amount of cellulose extracted is a crucial aspect in evaluating the performance and efficacy of the extraction process used. For this purpose, we followed the TAPPI T 205 standard, a standard methodology in the pulp and paper industry, recognized for its accuracy and reliability. This standard provides a detailed framework for the quantification of cellulose, ensuring that results are comparable and consistent, both for research purposes and potential industrial applications [15].

The cellulose percentage in our sample was determined using the following mathematical formula stipulated by TAPPI T 205:

% cellulose = (original sample weight - delignified and cellulized sample weight) / original sample weight * 100

In this formula, the “original sample weight” refers to the weight of the Tibouchina lepidota sample before subjecting it to the extraction process. This weight is recorded immediately after the pretreatment, which includes drying and grinding the sample. On the other hand, the “delignified and cellulized sample weight” is obtained after completing the entire extraction process, including treatments with NaOH, sulfuric acid, sodium chlorite, and subsequent washings and drying. This weight reflects the amount of material that has been effectively processed to isolate the cellulose, removing other components such as lignin and hemicelluloses. Calculating the cellulose percentage according to this formula allows us to not only evaluate the efficiency of the extraction process, but also compare the quality and yield of Tibouchina lepidota cellulose to other cellulose sources. This information is crucial in determining the viability of this species as an alternative cellulose source for industrial applications. Furthermore, these results provide us with a solid basis for future research and developments in the field of biotechnology and materials engineering, opening the possibility of harnessing underutilized forest resources in a more sustainable and efficient manner [16].

2.5 Statistical analysis

To carry out a thorough statistical analysis of the data collected in the study of cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota, the R software was used, a programming environment widely recognized for its ability to handle complex statistical analyses and advanced graphics. The results were presented in terms of the arithmetic mean, representing the central value of the data, along with standard deviations expressing the amount of variation in the set of values. In addition, variation coefficients were calculated, providing a standardized measure of data dispersion, facilitating comparison between the two samples.

The integrity of the dataset was initially validated by applying the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, a statistical tool that evaluates whether a sample comes from a normally distributed population. This test is essential to determine the suitability of the data for further parametric analyses. In this study, the test was applied separately for each particle size to ensure uniformity in sample quality and handling.

With normality confirmed, the homogeneity of variances was assessed using Fisher's F-test. This test checks if the variances of the samples are statistically similar, a requirement to define the t-Student test to use when determining the existence of statistically significant differences in the average cellulose yield.

3.1. Amount of cellulose extracted

In the results phase of the study, special attention was paid to the amount of cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota, evaluating the influence of particle size on extraction yield. Ten extraction replicates were carried out for each particle size. The data collected are presented in the following table:

Table 1

Amount of cellulose from *Tibouchina lepidota* in relation to particle size.
T₂₅₀	4,68	4,67	4,70	4,91	4,46	4,80	4,81	4,78	4,82	4,71
T₁₂₅	3,42	3,78	3,61	3,52	3,56	3.,5	3,71	3,70	3,69	3,64
T: particule size

The sample with a particle size of 250 µm was characterized by having an average weight of 4.73 g with a standard deviation of 0.105 g, while the sample with a particle size of 125 µm had an average of 3.624 g with a standard deviation of 0.074. These results guarantee the reliability of the cellulose extraction method, since the coefficient of variation in each sample is less than 2.25%

Table 2

Amount of *Tibouchina lepidota* cellulose by particle size in relation to standard deviation and coefficient of variation.
Paticule size (µm)	Sample mass (g)	Sample mass Delignified and cellularized (g)			Cellulose Quantity (%)
Paticule size (µm)	Sample mass (g)	Media	Standard deviation	Coefficient of variation	Cellulose Quantity (%)
250	50	4,734	0,105	2,22%	90.54
125	50	3,624	0,074	2,04%	92,76

The application of the Shapiro-Wilk normality test to the dataset allowed the choice of a parametric test for comparing means. For the samples with particle sizes of 250 µm and 125 µm, the resulting p-values were 0.8513 and 0.3834, respectively. These values above 0.05 suggest that there is not enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis of normality, implying that the samples behave in conformity with a normal distribution. Subsequently, the homogeneity of variances between samples was assessed using Fisher's F-test. The obtained p-value was 0.3113, which is significantly above the common threshold of 0.05, indicating that there is no statistically significant difference between the variances of the different particle size samples. Finally, with the t-Student test for homogeneous variances, the average weight of the delignified and cellulized samples was compared, finding highly significant differences attributable to particle size, with an extremely small p-value (4.302e-16). The results showed that particle size significantly influences the cellulose recovery percentage. Samples with a particle size of 125 micrometers resulted in a higher percentage of extracted cellulose, with an average of 92.76%, compared to the 90.54% obtained for 250 micrometer samples. This increase in extraction efficiency can be attributed to the greater surface area available in the smaller particles, which facilitates the penetration of reagents during the delignification and cellulization process, and allows more effective interaction with the non-cellulosic components of the biomass [17].

The consistency in the amount of cellulose extracted between replications suggests high reproducibility of the extraction method used, indicating that the methodology is robust and can be reliably applied for obtaining cellulose from Tibouchina lepidota

3.2. FTIR Characterization of Extracted Cellulose (250 Micrometer Sample)

The characterization of the cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota samples with a particle size of 250 micrometers was carried out using FTIR spectroscopy. The obtained results were compared with the wavelength ranges reported in the scientific literature (Biswas & Ray, 2014), providing a detailed analysis of the functional groups present. Below are the key findings of this characterization:

FTIR characterization of cellulose shows significant peaks reflecting its complex molecular structure. The peaks at 3336.25 cm^-1 and 2919.7 cm^-1, related to asymmetric and symmetric C-H bond stretches, respectively, indicate the presence of hydroxyl groups and alkyl structures. The peaks at 1646.91 cm^-1 and 1365.35 cm^-1 suggest the presence of water and C-C bond stretches in cellulose, respectively, while the peak at 1153.22 cm^-1 corresponds to C-O-C glycosidic bonds. Other significant peaks at 1025.94 cm^-1, 894.809 cm^-1, and a series at 709.676 cm^-1 to 597.825 cm^-1, are associated with stretches of C-H and C-O bonds, typical in the alcoholic and ring groups of cellulose. In addition, the peak at 555.398 cm^-1 also indicates C-H bond stretches, confirming the molecular identity of cellulose [18].

Table 3

Summary of cellulose extracted from *Tibouchina lepidota* samples with a particle size of 250 um by FTIR spectroscopy.
Wavelength observed [cm^− 1]	%T	Observed wavelength (Biswas & Ray, 2014) [cm^− 1]	Assignment of functional groups
3336.25	80,0719	3330–3340	Asymmetric bond stretching C-H
2919.7	88,6152	2920–2930	Asymmetric bond stretching C-H
1646.91	95,6857	1640–1650	Asymmetric bond stretching C = O
1365.35	94,2507	1370–1380	Asymmetric bond stretching C-C
1153.22	94,0993	1150–1160	Stretching of bond C-O-C
1025.94	82,4019	1020–1030	Stretching of bond C-H
894.809	95,7611	890–900	Stretching of bond O-H
709.676	96,2416	700–720	Stretching of bond C-O
659.536	94,3009	650–670	Stretching of bond C-O
597.825	94,0571	590–610	Stretching of bond C-O
555.398	93,4545	540–560	Stretching of bond C-H

These results confirm the presence of cellulose with a typical structure in the studied samples and provide evidence of the effectiveness of the extraction process employed. The comparison with existing data further validates our methodology and supports the potential use of Tibouchina lepidota cellulose in various industrial applications.

3.3. FTIR Characterization of Extracted Cellulose (125 Micrometer Sample)

The FTIR characterization for the 125 micrometer particle size cellulose sample from Tibouchina lepidota has provided the following data, which has been compared to literature references for the assignment of functional groups:

The FTIR characterization of the cellulose sample showed several significant peaks, indicative of its molecular structure. The peak at 3293.82 cm^-1 suggests asymmetric O-H bond stretches, slightly shifted from the typical range, which could indicate variations in the hydrogen bond network or cellulose hydration. The symmetric C-H bond stretch was observed at 2923.56 cm^-1, within the expected range, and is characteristic of alkyl groups. The peak at 1650.77 cm^-1 falls within the range associated with C = O bond stretches, generally related to the presence of bound water or carbonyl groups. The band at 1369.21 cm^-1, within the 1370–1380 cm^-1 range, indicates C-C bond stretches, while the band at 1153.22 cm^-1 is associated with C-O-C bond stretches, typical of the glucosidic linkage. Other relevant peaks include C-H bond stretches at 1022.09 cm^-1 and O-H bond stretches at 894.809 cm^-1. Peaks were also observed at 825.384 cm^-1 and 786.815 cm^-1, both indicative of C-O bond stretches, as well as at 701.962 cm^-1, 659.536 cm^-1, 636.394 cm^-1 and 597.825 cm^-1, all associated with C-O bond stretches. Finally, the peaks at 566.969 cm^-1 and 528.4 cm^-1 correspond to C-H bond stretches. These results confirm the typical molecular structure of cellulose in the studied sample [19].

Table 4

Summary of cellulose extracted from *Tibouchina lepidota* samples with a particle size of 125 um by FTIR spectroscopy
Wavelength observed [cm^− 1]	%T	Observed wavelength (Biswas & Ray, 2014) [cm^− 1]	Assignment of functional groups
3293.82	82,5127	3330–3340	Asymmetric bond stretching C-H
2923.56	89,9063	2920–2930	Asymmetric bond stretching C-H
1650.77	95,4071	1640–1650	Asymmetric bond stretching C = O
1369.21	94,5131	1370–1380	Asymmetric bond stretching C-C
1153.22	94,8828	1150–1160	Estiramiento de enlaces C-O-C
1022.09	85,9059	1020–1030	Stretching of bond C-H
894.809	96,3207	890–900	Stretching of bond O-H
825.384	97,444	820–830	Stretching of bond C-O
786.815	97,5516	780–790	Stretching of bond C-O
701.962	96,6318	700–720	Stretching of bond C-O
659.536	95,5948	650–670	Stretching of bond C-O
636.394	95,4757	630–640	Stretching of bond C-O
597.825	95,6661	590–610	Stretching of bond C-O
566.969	96,0998	550–570	Stretching of bond C-H
528.4	97,1551	520–530	Stretching of bond C-H

The consistency in the C-H, O-H, C-O and C-O-C bond stretch peaks confirms the characteristic cellulose structure in the 125 micrometer sample. The presence of these functional groups indicates the purity of the extracted cellulose and its alignment with the typical cellulose structures found in natural sources like cotton and wood. These results provide solid evidence that the extraction process has been effective and that the obtained cellulose is suitable for applications requiring high purity materials with well-defined quality [20].

3.3.1 Solubility Results and Determination of Cellulose Type

In the study, the cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota was subjected to solubility tests in 17.5% and 8% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions to determine its typology. The results revealed that the species' cellulose is of the beta type, characterized by its ability to dissolve in 17.5% NaOH solutions, a property attributed to its specific crystalline structure. This structure allows the intercalation of NaOH and disruption of hydrogen bonding interactions, facilitating solubility. In contrast, the 8% NaOH solution failed to dissolve the cellulose, further confirming its identity as beta cellulose. This finding is crucial due to the industrial applications of beta cellulose, valued for its mechanical and chemical resistance, thermal stability and ability to form fibers and films with outstanding physical properties. The identification of beta cellulose in Tibouchina lepidota validates the extraction methods used and suggests significant potential for the industrial use of this species [21].

3.6.4 Optical Microscopy

Cellulose extracted from Sample 250 micrometers

Microscopic observation of the 250 micrometer cellulose sample has revealed a fibrous structure consistent with the characteristic properties of cellulose. Visually, the fibers exhibit significant thinness and length, with approximate measurements of 50 micrometers long and a diameter of 1 micrometer, arranged without a specific oriented pattern. The surface of each fiber is notably smooth and uniform, indicating the absence of surface irregularities and confirming the high quality of the cellulosic fiber [22].

This set of morphological characteristics is not only congruent with the nature of cellulose but also reflects its intrinsic molecular configuration. Cellulose is a natural polymer constituted by glucose units that are linked through glucosidic bonds, forming linear chains that subsequently intertwine to give rise to fibrous structures. These fibers are fundamental in the plant kingdom, found in trees, herbs and cotton, and are crucial for the structure of plants, providing strength and flexibility. The microscopic image obtained from the 250 micrometer sample unequivocally affirms the high quality of the cellulose, coherent with expectations of its presence in natural plant materials [23].

When examining the 250 micrometer cellulose sample with a 40X magnification under optical microscopy, a fibrous structure consistent with previous observations at lower magnification has been identified. These fibers, characterized by their thinness and considerable length, are presented in a random arrangement. The most notable aspect of the image at this higher magnification is the clarity with which the texture of the fibers can be appreciated, exhibiting a smooth and uniform surface, and the presence of detailed structures in the shape of small hexagonal units, which are indicative of the molecular organization of cellulose composed of glucose units [24].

In the 100X optical microscopy of the 250 micrometer cellulose sample, a fibrous structure consistent with observations at lower magnifications is observed. The fibers, thin and long with an approximate length of 50 micrometers and a diameter close to one micrometer, exhibit a smooth surface and are randomly arranged, suggesting a high quality non-oriented fiber. The morphology reveals hexagonal units composing the fibers, characteristic of the cellulose structure, where glucose units link together forming linear chains that coil to constitute the fibers. These fibers, crucial components in plant strength and flexibility, are commonly found in a variety of plants. Despite the presence of small cracks and adhered particles, possibly attributable to aging or contaminants, these characteristics do not compromise the overall quality of the observed cellulose, confirming its suitability and high quality for industrial applications [25].

Cellulose extracted from Sample 125 micrometers

The 10X microscopic observation of the 125 micrometer cellulose sample reveals a fibrous structure that closely resembles that of the 250 micrometer sample. These fibers, fine and extensive, are randomly distributed across the visual field, highlighting a smooth and homogeneous surface. At this magnification, it becomes evident that the fibers consist of small hexagonal units, suggesting a precise molecular organization. These units, composed of glucose monomers, underline the polymeric nature of the cellulose present in the sample. The quality of the fiber is reflected in the uniformity and smoothness of the filaments, with an approximate length of 25 micrometers and a diameter close to 0.5 micrometers, indicating a high quality cellulose material [26].

The 40X optical microscopy of the 125 micrometer cellulose sample reveals a continuity in the fibrous morphology observed in the larger size samples and at lower magnifications. This morphological consistency underlines the homogeneity of the cellulose across different observation scales. The fibers, which maintain an approximate length of 25 micrometers and a diameter close to 0.5 micrometers, are randomly arranged, exhibiting a smooth and uniform surface that suggests a non-oriented and high quality fiber. This quality is reinforced by the visualization of more defined hexagonal structures at this magnification, each composed of glucose units joined by glucosidic bonds to form the characteristic fibers of natural cellulose, an essential structural component in the rigidity and flexibility of a vast range of plant [27].

The 100X optical micrograph obtained from the 125 micrometer cellulose sample reveals a detailed fibrous structure, in line with previous observations at lower magnifications. This high-resolution visualization shows thin, elongated filaments with an average length of 25 micrometers and a diameter of approximately 0.5 micrometers, maintaining a random arrangement and exhibiting a remarkably smooth and uniform surface. By increasing the magnification to 100X, the presence of small hexagonal units along the filaments becomes evident, a fundamental structural feature of cellulose, confirming its composition of glucose units connected by glucosidic bonds. These intertwined linear chains are typical of the cellulosic fibers found in various forms of vegetation, such as trees and cotton, and are essential to provide strength and flexibility to plants [28].

A meticulous analysis at this magnification also allowed identifying additional subtleties, such as fine cracks and particles adhered to the filaments, which could be attributed to mechanical damage or natural wear processes. Despite these small imperfections, the general characteristics of the cellulose fibers are not compromised, indicating that cellulose quality remains intact. Compared to the images obtained at 10X and 40X, the 100X image provides a deeper understanding of the cell morphology, showing with great clarity the hexagonal units that constitute cellulose and offering a more comprehensive perspective of the molecular structure of this important natural polymer.

The present study has provided a detailed analysis of the cellulose extracted from Tibouchina lepidota. The amounts extracted with the two particle sizes are homogeneous (CV < 2.25%) which demonstrates the reliability of the cellulose extraction method. In addition, it was shown that particle size significantly influences the cellulose recovery percentage, obtaining on average 92.79% with a 125 micrometer particle size and 90.54% with 250 micrometer samples.

Through a series of techniques, including optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, a consistent fibrous structure has been revealed in 125 and 250 micrometer samples, with thin, long, non-oriented fibers, and smooth, uniform surfaces. These morphological characteristics are indicative of high quality cellulose fibers, corroborating the sample composition and suggesting adequate structural integrity for industrial applications. FTIR characterization has provided clear insight into the molecular structure of cellulose, with peaks confirming the presence of hydroxyl groups, C-H and C-O-C bonds, essential in the cellulose structure. Additionally, the cellulose typology has been determined as beta, thanks to the solubility observed in 17.5% sodium hydroxide solutions. This characterization is fundamental for the potential use of cellulose in various applications, since beta cellulose is valued for its strength and ability to form fibers and films in the textile and materials industry.

Thus, the results of this study support the viability of using Tibouchina lepidota as a sustainable cellulose source, a characteristic never studied before. The findings suggest that this species could be a valuable resource for industry, promoting sustainable forest management and the development of new eco-friendly materials, by virtue of its fast growth under suitable edaphoclimatic conditions. This enables a dual purpose that can take advantage of the ornamental characteristics of the species and after this study, its cellulose, in addition to contributing against the change in the carbon nitrogen ratio in the soils of mountain forests with the pruning waste generated.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest to report.

Author Contribution

D.R.M.V. performed the chemical analysis and cellulose extraction. R.F.Z.V. carried out the botanical identification, sample collection, and forestry analysis. A.C.F.M. designed the experimental setup and conducted the statistical analysis. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgments

To the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Faculty of Natural Resources, Forestry Engineering Career and Renewable Natural Resources Career.

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Integral Evaluation of the Cellulose of Tibouchina lepidota (Bonpl.) Baill. for the Valorization of Residues in Sustainable Forestry Management

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Abstract

Figures

1. Introduction

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Botanical Identification

2.2. Sample pretreatment

2.3. Cellulose extraction

2.4. Characterization of extracted cellulose

2.4.1 FTIR analysis

2.4.2 Type of cellulose

2.4.3 Optical Microscopy

2.4.4 Amount of cellulose extracted

2.5 Statistical analysis

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Amount of cellulose extracted

3.2. FTIR Characterization of Extracted Cellulose (250 Micrometer Sample)

3.3. FTIR Characterization of Extracted Cellulose (125 Micrometer Sample)

3.3.1 Solubility Results and Determination of Cellulose Type

3.6.4 Optical Microscopy

4. Conclusions

Declarations

Conflicts of interest

Author Contribution

Acknowledgments

References

Additional Declarations

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