Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline cellulose doped biodegradable composites

In this thesis study, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) obtained from three different biomass sources, namely watermelon peel albedo, cucumber peel and pepper stalk, was added to the chitosan matrix, a biodegradable polymer, and nanocomposites were prepared. To obtain NCCs, cellulose was first extracted from biomass waste. Then, the obtained celluloses were converted into NCC by applying some processes. Nanocomposites were prepared by adding 5% of the obtained NCCs to chitosan by combining the solutions. The aim of this study is to obtain new materials that are more environmentally friendly and have superior properties by using smaller amounts of filling material compared to traditional composites. In the final stage of the study; NCC' obtained by Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction dispersion (XRD) methods. Surface and morphological characterization of natural biomass, nanocomposites and synthesized nanocomposites were carried out and chemical structures and thermal behaviors were examined. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that nanocelluloses obtained from three different agricultural wastes can be used as fillers in the production of hybrid nanocomposites. It has been determined that composite hybrid materials, which do not pose an environmental risk, do not harm human health and are biodegradable, have the potential to be used as an alternative to traditional polymers in areas such as food packaging and food coating.