Bacterial cellulose-rambutan leaf extract (Nephelium lappaceum L.) composite: Preparation and characterization

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to produce bacterial cellulose-rambutan leaf extract (BC-RLE) composite. The BC-RLE composite was prepared by immersing BC gel into RLE under various immersion time of 7, 14 and 21 days with/without using UV light radiation, and then, its physical (water content, and swelling), mechanical (tensile and compressive strength) and structural (functional group and degree of crystallinity) properties were characterized. The results showed that the water content of BC-RLE composites was lower than that of pure BC gel and decreased as increased immersion time of BC gel in RLE. Further, the UV light radiation is given during immersion of BC gel in RLE also reduced the water content of BC-RLE composites. However, the swelling degree of BC-RLE composites increased as increased immersion time, and a similar tendency was also shown by applying the UV light radiation. Mechanical properties, tensile, and compressive strength of BC-RLE composites increased as increased immersion time and by applying UV light radiation. The FTIR results showed that there was no effect of UV light radiation on the structure of BC-RLE composites. The Degree of crystallinity of BC-RLE composite decreased by applying the UV light radiation during immersion time.