DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v26i4.178

Keywords: Kapok fibre; Ceiba pentandra; extraction; plant fibre; microcrystalline cellulose

Abstract

Due to its excellent qualities, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been used in several applications including polymer composites, packaging materials, and medicinal compounds. However, the insufficiency of non-renewable resources has turned the attention of researchers to greener strategies for raw materials derived from renewable sources. This work aimed to extract microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from kapok fibre (Ceiba pentandra) by means of chemical alkali treatment using 5 % (w/v) NaOH, and acidified bleaching treatment with 2 % (w/v) NaClO. The obtained MCC was characterized for its morphology, structural and thermal stability, and crystallinity, through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Kapok fibre exhibited rod-like shapes with a smooth surface and a diameter of about 7.25 µm. This was transformed into a rough surface and whiter colour after going through the process of chemical treatment, in which the fibre diameter also decreased to 3.04 µm. The TGA curves for both kapok and MCC indicated weight loss at 236 °C to 355 °C for the first decomposition stage due to the thermal degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose, then further thermal decomposition until 900 °C. XRD analysis indicated no significant differences in crystallite size (0.04 - 1.70 nm) and crystallinity index values (20.6 - 46.0 %). In conclusion, the cost-effective MCC derived from kapok fibre is a promising renewable and sustainable resource which has potential for extensive utilization across many industrial applications.