Influence of Cryogenic Attrition Ball Milling on the Particle Size of Microcrystalline Cellulose at Different Moisture Contents

In this study the effect of attrition ball milling on cellulose particle size distribution was studied. The effect of moisture content of cellulose and grinding time were examined and grinding was carried out at room temperature and under cryogenic conditions, as well. The grinds obtained were studied with electron microscope, and the characteristic dimensions of ground particles were determined using image processing software. Results revealed that effective size decrease of cellulose particles was achieved at low moisture content at room temperature, while under cryogenic conditions high moisture content was necessary, i.e. frozen moisture enhances grinding efficiency in the latter case.