Optimum alkaline treatment parameters for the extraction of cellulose and production of cellulose nanocrystals from apple pomace

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were produced from cellulose extracted from apple pomace (AP). In the alkaline treatment step for cellulose extraction, three variables, the NaOH concentration (6-12%), extraction time (30-240 min), and temperature (30-90 °C) were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) for highest yield, highest purity (α-cellulose), and whiteness index (WI). The optimum conditions were determined as 10.23% NaOH, 69.82...