Catalytic Extraction of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) from Elaeis guineensis using Central Composite Design (CCD)

Abstract

Cellulosic fiber extracted from a non-woody, monocotyledonous species of palm tree trunk (PTT) was hydrolyzed with different concentrations of FeCl3 in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The dissolution properties of the amorphous region of palm tree cellulosic fiber (PTC) can be enhanced in the presence of Fe3+ cations in acidic medium. The independent variables, including temperature (x1), time (x2), and concentration of metal chloride (FeCl3) catalyst (x3), were optimized using central composite design (CCD). Responses were measured in terms of percentage crystallinity (y1) and yield (y2) of the prepared hydrocellulose. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that temperature was the most influential factor for hydrolyzing the amorphous sections of cellulose. Under optimum conditions, the percentage crystallinity (y1) and yield (y2) were 68.66% and 83.98%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to obtain more information about the surface morphology and crystallinity of the prepared microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis were performed to observe the effect of hydrolysis on the finished products. It was concluded that the addition of FeCl3 salt in acid hydrolyzing medium can substantially increase the crystallinity of palm tree trunk cellulose with significant morphological changes to yield microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).