Cellulose fibers production from agricultural waste and use as functional cellulose additive in polylactic acid bioplastic films

Abstract

This study explores a sustainable method for bioplastic production using agricultural waste. Polylactic acid (PLA)-based films were developed by incorporating cellulose extracted from rice husks (RH) and sunflower stalks (SS). The cellulose extraction process achieved an average efficiency of 85% based on total agricultural waste mass. Chemical structures of PLA and composite films were examined using FTIR spectroscopy. All films were flexible and transparent, with pure PLA films exhibiting higher transparency. Such properties make PLA films ideal for packaging, biomedical, and electronic applications due to their lightweight and adaptable nature. Films containing SS-derived cellulose showed slightly greater thickness (0.197–0.232 mm) compared to those with RH cellulose. FTIR analysis revealed interactions between PLA and cellulose, indicated by reduced intensity of the –OH stretching band at 3338 cm-1 and PLA characteristic peaks at 1452, 1748, and 1181 cm-1. These changes suggest hydrogen bonding and limited polymer chain mobility due to conformational adjustments. The spectra of composite films resembled those of PLA and cellulose, confirming enhanced crystallinity and molecular interactions. This is the first comparative study using cellulose from both RH and SS in PLA-based bioplastics, demonstrating their combined potential as sustainable reinforcements for biodegradable materials. © 2026 Field Crops Central Research Institute. All rights reserved.