Reinforcement of chitosan film using cellulose isolated from grass (imperata cylindrica)
Nurradhiyah Az-Zahra, Rahmi*, and Surya Lubis
Chemistry Department, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia.
*rahmi[at]fmipa.unsyiah.ac.id
Abstract
Cellulose from grass (imperata cylindrica) had been used as reinforcement in chitosan film preparation. Cellulose was obtained from grass through hydrolysis process. Hydrolysis was conducted with different concentration of sulfuric acid at room temperature for 2 h. The results show that the highest crystallinity of cellulose was obtained at sulfuric acid concentration of 40% (v/v) on hydrolysis process. The isolated cellulose with the highest crystallinity was used on chitosan film preparation. Mechanical test shows addition of cellulose into chitosan film improved the tensile strength. The FTIR analysis was used to define the interaction between components. XRD analysis shows the addition of cellulose decrease the crystallinity of chitosan film.
Keywords: chitosan film; cellulose; grass; hydrolysis; crystallinity; tensile strength
Topic: Chemistry