Preparation of fibrillated cellulose from kenaf bast fiber using high speed homogenizer without pressure

Abstract

The aim of the study is to characterize the fibrillated cellulose (FC), which has been extracted from kenaf bast fiber using high speed homogenizer (HSH). The FC was prepared by applying 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 rpm of homogenization process for 10, 15 and 20 mins. Morphological observation via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) was carried out in order to observe the sur-face morphology of FC while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to determine the changing of functional groups. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was done for thermal decomposition of FC. Results showed that the diameter of the FC from kenaf bast was determined below 100 nm. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that lignin and hemicellulose were almost completely removed during the bleaching process at peak 1,737 cm-1. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) displayed 272°C as the highest temperature for thermal stability of FC. In conclusion, by controlling the speed during homogenization process, FC was successfully obtained. Such FC can be applied as beneficial main ingredients in papermaking and packaging industry, which dedicat-ed to mechanical strength properties.