Biomassa residual da extração de taninos como agente ativo em filmes de nanocelulose

Abstract

In the tannin extraction industry, biomass that is not used for tannin extraction and residual biomass from tannin extraction are considered solid wood wastes, which are destined for the pulp and paper industry in the Asian market and used in the factory itself for burning, production of steam and electricity, and composting, respectively. Residual biomass from tannin extraction, named exhausted biomass, were the object of this study, aiming to add value to these residues. Bark of Acacia mearnsii De Wild. and Castanea sativa wood, residues from tannin extraction, named exhausted bark and exhausted wood, respectively, were evaluated as active agents in nanocellulose films with and without hydrolytic activation treatment. Additionally, the properties of these residues were evaluated, as well as the effect of their addition in nanocellulose suspensions. Residual biomass showed antioxidant properties, and this effect was enhanced by the hydrolytic activation treatment for exhausted wood. When incorporated into the nanocellulose production process, these exhausted biomasses were responsible for functionalizing the nanocellulose films, providing them with antioxidant activity and UV-screening. The advantages of this study range from the fact that all the raw materials used are renewable and biodegradable, to the use of a residue as a raw material with high added value, that is, as an active agent in nanocellulose films, with the potential to replace materials from petroleum, thus contributing to the current great challenge facing humanity, which is the rational use of its natural resources.