Extraction and properties of cellulose for polymer composites

This chapter describes the details of cellulose nanofibres and its extraction processes along with its potential applications. The various types of nanocellulose with varying characteristics were obtained from biomass such as: cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). The cellulose nanofibres have good properties and functions including uniformity, high aspect ratio, biodegradability, durability, low cost, low density, high strength, sustainability, renewability and some other excellent properties for the utilization of polymer composite. The characterizations in terms of physical, chemical and thermal analysis of the extracted nanocellulose were also discussed. On the basis of characterization of nanocellulose, it was found that nanocellulose can be used in several potential applications as reinforcement.