Extraction and characterization of bio-based polymeric materials from traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka

Introduction of sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for petroleum chemical-based polymers have become one of the most challenging areas of research. Hence, this study addresses the issue by suggesting a more convenient approach to isolate a bio-based polymer cellulose using rice straw as the source of extraction. This study attempts to extract high purity cellulose from the most abundantly cultivated traditional rice varieties namely, Suwandel and Raththal. A three-step chemical purification process, namely dewaxing, delignification, hemicellulose and silica removal was used in this study. The accuracy of the extraction method was verified by utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, a morphological study of extracted cellulose was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that Suwandel and Raththal varieties could produce approximately 35% and 25% of cellulose yield, respectively. This study formulated a sustainable approach of replacing synthetic polymer materials with plant-based substance.