Extraction and Analysis of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Delignified Serte Leaf Fiber Wastes

Dracaena Steudneri Egler (Serte) is a leaf fiber, as reported by us in our previous work. During the extraction of the fiber, different chemicals are used to facilitate gum decomposition to get more exceptional and impurity-free fibers. The separated long fibers can be used for different applications based on their properties, whereas short and dust materials will be avoided as a waste. In the current study, we have used the fiber waste for the extraction of microcrystalline cellulose, which will act as a new source for the preparation of microcrystalline cellulose and simultaneously help in waste utilization. The preparation of microcrystalline cellulose from serte fiber waste by using hydrochloric acid hydrolysis had been investigated. Basic chemical pretreatments, scouring, and bleaching was given to the serte fiber waste before extraction to removed natural colorants and hydrophobic impurities like oils, waxes, minerals, fats. Characterization of this extracted microcrystalline cellulose was done using X-ray diffractometer, FTIR, thermogravimetric analyzer, and a particle size analyzer. Finally, a comparison of micro-crystalline cellulose obtained from serte fiber waste with commercial micro-crystalline was also made. The particle size of the serte fiber microcrystalline cellulose was about 30–60 μm having a crystallinity of 73.5% and better thermal stability than commercial microcrystalline cellulose.