Advanced Cellulose-Based Bio-Surfactant with Pickering Emulsion Stabilization, Emulsion Polymerization, and a Sustainable Analog in the Paint Industry

Advani, Kushagra (2025) Advanced Cellulose-Based Bio-Surfactant with Pickering Emulsion Stabilization, Emulsion Polymerization, and a Sustainable Analog in the Paint Industry. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (MS Dissertation of Kushagra Advani (20MS192)) 20MS192_Thesis_file.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (20MB)

Abstract

This research addresses the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional surfactants by developing a novel cellulose-based biosurfactant from Shola pith waste, an underutilized and often incinerated byproduct, using a simplified one-step phosphoric acid hydrolysis method. The resulting uniform, spherical nanoparticles, ranging in size from 200 to 300 nm, exhibit high water dispersibility and biosurfactant-like behaviour, demonstrating efficacy in reducing surface tension. These particles effectively stabilize Pickering emulsions of various immiscible organic liquids and oils, including cyclohexane, styrene, and hexadecane, for over 60 days, showcasing their potential in long-term stabilization applications. The biosurfactant has the ability to sorb and disperse hydrophobic dyes, such as Nile Red. Furthermore, the biosurfactant's application was validated through successful emulsion polymerization of poly methyl methacrylate, yielding rapid reaction kinetics and demonstrating its potential in binder formation for the paint industry, a sector heavily reliant on traditional surfactants. A life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates the biosurfactant's improved eco-friendliness and sustainability compared to synthetic counterparts, highlighting its potential to minimize environmental impact. This study highlights the potential of these novel cellulosic particles for diverse applications, including Pickering emulsion stabilization, emulsion polymerization, and their use in sustainable paints, thereby offering a promising avenue for environmentally responsible material science and industrial applications.

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