ABSTRACT
As more applications for nano-sized natural particles are discovered, simple, environmentally friendly ways to produce these particles become more important. This work prepares and characterizes nano-size bacterial cellulose particles using ultrasonication. Pellicle from nata de coco containing nanofibers was broken up in an electrical blender, then sonicated using an ultrasonic probe at 20â¯kHz and 3â¯W/mL for 30, 60 and 90â¯min. Transmission electron microscope observations indicate the particles become nano-sized after 60â¯min ultrasound. The maximum decomposition temperature before sonication was 373⯰C, decreased to 357⯰C after 60â¯min ultrasonication. Moisture absorption of the 90â¯min sonicated particles film is 60% slower compared to non-sonicated particles. After ultrasonication, the crystallinity index of the cellulose decreases. The functional groups of non-sonicated and sonicated cellulose remain the same. This study promotes a potential method of fabrication of nano-sized particles from pure bacterial cellulose.