Isolation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from reticulated fibers covering the stem of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.).
This study investigates the valorization of the reticulated fibrous sheath covering the stems of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) as a novel lignocellulosic source for the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). A modified Kruscher-Hoffer pretreatment, followed by alkaline extraction and multi-step bleaching, was a...