Research Project
Full description This project investigates the conversion of sorghum biomass into cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) for industrial applications. A comprehensive investigation of four sorghum varieties was conducted, with each plant partitioned into sections and chemically pre-treated to prepare lignocellulosic pulp. CNFs were generated through high pressure homogenisation, characterised for their properties, and processed into nanopaper handsheets for mechanical property characterisation. A robust statistical framework was developed to address natural product variability and enable product quality evaluation. The framework can be customized across different applications and product types, with applicability for different biomass feedstock, processing conditions, and characterization metrics. The project highlights the need for an application-specific definition of quality and the versatility of the statistical quality framework in promoting the commercialization of biomass-derived CNF products.
- Local : JPSORGPHD