Isolation and Extraction of Microcellulose from Pineapple Leaves Fiber

Abstract

Microcellulose, a natural fiber, has gained attention due to its ability to be isolated from various sources. Cellulose, derived from plant cell walls, is a promising alternative to synthetic materials due to its strength and stability. Isolating and extracting microcellulose from pineapple leaf fibers (PLF) is essential to harness its potential. This research isolated PLF through isolation and extraction, with the aim of recommending microcellulose application if results are satisfactory. The pretreatment process involved alkali treatment, the bleaching process, as well as hydrolysis. FTIR proved all of the noncellulosic substances had been extracted from PLF to the utmost extent. The hydrolysis treatment improved the PLF's crystallinity index. According to TGA, the hydrolyzed PLF demonstrated the highest thermal stability. A potential approach for future cellulose reinforcing material development is micro-cellulose PLF, which has the potential to evolve into nano-cellulose.