Publications by authors named "Neenu K V"

This research highlights the synergistic use of carbon black (CB) and chitin nanofibers (CHNFs) for developing green tyres for the first time. The CHNFs (12-30 nm) were prepared from chitin powder with the help of steam explosion and mild oxalic acid hydrolysis. The CHNFs were uniformly dispersed in natural rubber (NR) latex, dried, and mixed with CB in a two-roll mill to form NR/CB/CHNF composites.

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Nanocellulose is the "green magnet" which attracts a wide spectrum of industries towards it due to its availability, biodegradability, and possible smart applications. For the first time, pineapple pomace was being explored as an economic precursor for cellulose nanofibers. Nanofiber isolation was accomplished using a chemo-mechanical method and solution casting was adopted for the development of nanopapers.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on extracting cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from millet husk, an agro-waste recognized for its sustainability.
  • Various pre-treatment methods were utilized to remove non-cellulosic materials, followed by acid hydrolysis and homogenization to extract the CNFs.
  • Characterization techniques confirmed the quality of the CNFs, revealing a typical cellulose type-I structure, increased thermal stability, and potential as eco-friendly alternatives for synthetic fibers in green composites.
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Green thermoplastic starch (TPS) nanocomposite films aided by cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from Chrysopogon zizanioides roots were developed and characterized. When compared to other lignocellulosic fibers, Chrysopogon zizanioides roots revealed exceptionally high cellulose content (~48%). CNFs were separated using an environmentally friendly acid isolation technique that included three stages: (i) alkali treatment; (ii) bleaching; and (iii) mild acid hydrolysis using oxalic acid in an autoclave.

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