Influence of size classifications on the crystallinity index of Albizia gummifera cellulose

Abstract

The isolation of cellulose has found considerable applications recently due to its attractive characteristics. Cellulose from Albizia gummifera of different size classifications (425 μm–599 μm and 600 μm–849 μm) was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. The crystal plane of the preferred orientation was at (020) for the most prominent peaks. The two size classifications have a strong broad peak around 3320 cm−1 (425 μm–599 μm), and 3330 cm−1 (600 μm–849 μm), which corresponds to a different stretching mode of O–H. High percentages of carbon (C) and oxygen (O) were noticed among the elements observed in the two size classifications. The crystallinity index (CrI) obtained for the two sizes were 61.1% for 425–599 μm, and 55.8% for 600 μm–849 μm. The 425 μm–599 μm size classification had a greater crystallinity index than the 600 μm–849 μm size classification, which indicates a stronger capacity for reinforcing. These particles were also effective as fillers in composite materials. The results revealed that Albizia gummifera cellulose possessed promising potential for device applications and capable of being used in the preparation of composite materials.