Membran Selulosa Kenaf Terjana Semula daripada Larutan Akues NaOH/Urea yang Digumpal Menggunakan Asid Sulfurik

Abstract

Regenerated cellulose membranes (RC) from kenaf core pulp have been produced using the pre cool method and coagulated using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution. RC prepared from kenaf cellulose was dissolved in NaOH/urea solvent and subsequently coagulated with H2SO4 solution at concentration 5-12 wt. % for 1-10 min. The effects of concentration of acid and coagulating time on the structure, pore size, mechanical properties and transparency of RC were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM), tensile tester and spectrometer ultra violet (UV-Vis) transmission, respectively. The results from VPSEM showed the pore size of the membranes changed as a function of the concentration of H2SO4 coagulant, whereas it was hardly changed with coagulation time. RC membranes coagulated in 10 wt. % concentration of H2SO4 solution and 5 min coagulation time exhibited better mechanical properties with tensile strength value 41.9 and 43.5 MPa, respectively. Thus, this work provided an optimal coagulation condition for preparing RC membranes in the solvent system and scientific information for controlling the properties and pore sizes of the membranes.