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In this study, cellulose was extracted from waste paper using alkaline and bleaching treatments. The flocculation performance of six quaternized cellulose (QC) samples (QC-1, QC-5, QC-10, QC-15, QC-20, and QC-30) was evaluated through kaolin suspension using the standard jar test method at varying flocculant dosages, kaolin concentrations, pH values, and settling times. The cellulose content of the waste paper and extracted celluloses were 68.6% and 78.1%, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy showed that the waste paper properties changed after chemical treatment, confirming that the extracted product was cellulose. The QC derivatives were homogeneously synthesized by reacting the extracted cellulose with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) in the aqueous medium of sodium hydroxide/urea. QC-15 exhibited a highly effective flocculation capability (99.67%) compared to alum (83.91%), with good performance in a wide pH range. The flocculation kinetics (kNo: 5.9 × 10−1 s-1) supported this finding. QC-15 removed 99.67% of turbidity compared to alum (83.9%). Besides, filtration of the conditioned sludge with QC-15 was relatively easy, with low specific resistance compared to the commercial alum. Overall, Q-15 was an effective and environmentally friendly flocculant with potential application for treating drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on a complete isolation and characterization of lignocellulosic compounds from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) by ionic liquid (IL) treatment and alkaline treatment processes. The fractionated lignocellulosic compounds were confirmed by FTIR and CP/MAS 13 CNMR analyses. The yield of the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin fractions was 52.72 ± 1.50% wt., 27.17 ± 1.68% wt. and 16.82 ± 1.15% wt. with molecular weight of 1869 g/mol, 1736 g/mol and 2695 g/mol, and degradation temperature of 325.65 °C, 236.25 °C, and 201.40 °C, respectively. The SEM image illustrates the bundle-like fiber of cellulose fraction and smaller particle size of hemicellulose and lignin fractions with inconsistent shape. The XRD patterns depict the crystalline cellulose, amorphous lignin and partially amorphous hemicellulose fractions property. The IL could be recovered and reused with an overall recovery of 48% wt. after the fourth cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]