THE CELLULOSE FIBRE INDUSTRY: HARNESSING AGRICULTURAL WASTE FOR PRODUCTION

This article investigates the potential of using agricultural residues from almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) and fig (Ficus carica L.) plants as sustainable sources for cellulose production. The study outlines the comprehensive pretreatment processes employed to extract cellulose fibres from these residues. Initially, delignification was carried out using a straightforward soda process, followed by sodium chlorite bleaching to enhance fibre purity. Subsequently, an alkali treatment was applied to remove hemicelluloses, ensuring the isolation of cellulose. The extracted cellulose was characterized through advanced techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These methods confirmed the successful extraction and purity of the cellulose obtained from the agricultural waste materials. The results of the characterization processes revealed that the cellulose derived from almond and fig residues possesses suitable properties for various industrial applications. This includes the production of biomaterials, cellulose derivatives, and reinforced composite polymers. The findings underscore the potential of these agricultural residues as a valuable and renewable resource for cellulose production, contributing to the development of sustainable materials and promoting waste valorization in the agricultural sector.