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Acetylation of Corn Stalk (Zea mays) for Its Valorization

Jhony César Muñoz Zambrano,Douglas Alexander Bermúdez Parrales,M. A. Riera

Published 2025 in Journal of Polymer Materials

ABSTRACT

: Agricultural waste is a potentially interesting resource due to the compounds present. In this study, cellulose was extracted from corn stalks ( Zea mays ) and subsequently converted into cellulose acetate (CA). Before the extraction process, the waste sample was characterized by pH, moisture, ash, protein content, total reducing sugars (TRS), carbohydrates, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Acid and alkaline hydrolysis were performed with different reagents, concentrations, and extraction times. Sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) and acetic acid (CH 3 COOH) were used in the acid hydrolysis, while sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used in the alkaline hydrolysis. Three concentrations (0.62, 1.25, 2.5)% and two reaction times (60, 120) min were established. An ANOVA was performed on the hydrolysis results to determine the existence of significant differences. The extracted cellulose was revalued by acetylation, and finally, the CA was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The highest cellulose extraction yield was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis, with an extraction time of 120 min and a yield of 65%. The statistical analysis indicated that the reagent used, its concentration, reaction time, and their interaction significantly affect the process yield. After obtaining CA and performing an infrared analysis of the compound’s structure, it was determined that the byproduct corresponds to CA, demonstrating the possibility of revaluing the waste through the studied process. Future studies could improve the results obtained here to promote the development of biobased products within a circular

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