| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
2025 Technical Division Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPG-114: Ionic Liquid Mediated Extraction of Cellulose from Fruit Wastes |
| Author(s) |
Erin Clingerman, Brian Love, Tolulope Lawal |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Erin Clingerman |
| Abstract Scope |
Industrial crops produce considerable amounts of waste tied to discarded structural plant residues. Fruits in particular are high waste crops with peels, stems, leaves, etc. that often require active compost management to control flies and other insects. These components also get landfilled, decomposing and releasing methane gas into the atmosphere. For these reasons, we considered whether repurposing wastes via ionic liquid (IL)- mediated cellulose fiber dissolution yielded functional fibers or other organic residues. We examined how easily cellulose can be extracted from multicomponent fruit wastes, including pumpkin, pineapple, and honeydew. Additionally, we evaluated a liquid hot water pretreatment to remove polysaccharides and other small molecules prior to IL-mediated cellulose dissolution as a purification step to isolating fibers. If a significant amount of cellulose can be extracted from these fruit wastes without resorting to very high temperatures, higher purity cellulose fibers can be formed and assessed for their properties and function. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Polymers, Sustainability, Environmental Effects |