Microcrystalline cellulose and biocomposite from kapok (Ceiba pentandra): characterization and fabrication

Abstract

Plastic is the most commonly used material in every industry around the world. Due to increasing demand in the food packaging industry, innovations in plastic manufacturing utilizing other raw materials is ventured. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a synthetic water soluble polymer known for its film-forming, emulsifying and adhesive property, is known to be an alternative raw material for plastic manufacturing. However, PVA alone is too costly, so blends are used to lower the cost of producing PVA films. To make the plastics strong, water resistant, and biodegradable, reinforcements like cellulose fibers and starch are considered.

This study aims to prepare and characterize the micro cellulose fiber and biocomposites from kapok (Ceiba pentandra). The micro cellulose fiber was obtained through a series of chemical (alkali treatment, bleaching and acid hydrolysis) and mechanical treatments. Analysis of the FTIR spectrum of the cellulose fibers revealed the presence of lignin and hemicellulose peaks from the untreated fiber and its disappearance after chemical and mechanical treatment. Size and surface morphology analysis revealed a rod and granule-like structure with sizes ranging from 9 to 24  μm. Biocomposite films were prepared by mixing varied amounts of the cellulose fiber (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), water, and glycerol and were casted in a petri dish. Physico-mechanical tests of the biocomposite films showed increase in tensile strengths and % elongation. Significant differences were noted in the physical properties among the biocomposite films.