Andoko Andoko, Afifah Harmayanti, Riduwan Prasetya, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin
Nanocellulose has emerged as a versatile, bio-based, and eco-friendly material due to its high transparency, excellent mechanical properties, and biodegradability, positioning it as a promising alternative for sustainable packaging. In this study, we present a mild, acid-free extraction method to obtain high-crystallinity nanocellulose from underutilized Walikukun fiber (WF) using sequential alkali treatment, bleaching, and mechanical sonication. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the effective removal of lignin and hemicellulose, resulting in a crystallinity index of up to 91.61% and the formation of densely packed cellulose fibrils. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals enhanced thermal stability, partly attributed to oxidation and structural modifications induced by sonication. Overall, WF-derived nanocellulose demonstrates potential as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers, offering improved barrier properties, thermal stability, and optical clarity for eco-friendly packaging. This work highlights the environmental benefits of using renewable natural fibers, thereby contributing to circular economy objectives and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Malang, Semarang 5, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya University, MT, Haryono 167, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
