Effect of H2SO4 concentration on cellulose isolation from palm empty fruit bunches.

Abstract

Isolation of cellulose from palm empty fruit bunches had been conducted. Isolation was conducted with H2O2 30% and H2SO4 with various concentrations (20, 30, 40, and 50%). Hydrolysis and bleaching processes were performed for 90 minutes. The obtained cellulose was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). FTIR analysis confirmed the typical bands of cellulose in the sample. XRD patterns showed increasing H2SO4 concentration on hydrolysis process increased crystallinity of cellulose. However, at H2SO4 concentration more than 40% the crystallinity of cellulose reduced. It was due to the reduction of crystalline part of cellulose.