CONVERSION OF LIGNOCELLULOSE FROM OIL PALM BIOMASS INTO WATER-SOLUBLE CELLULOSE ETHER

摘要: Cellulose, in combination with lignin and hemicellulose, is found all plant materials. It also the most abundant form of biomass. In oil palm industry, empty fruit bunches (EFB), which are generated large amounts at mill, made up approximately 37% a-cellulose (on a dry weight basis). The use this by-product may be expanded by chemical modification cellulose into products high value, such as ether. This study attempted to synthesise water-soluble ether, particularly sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), from EFB fibre. properties EFB-based NaCMC including degree substitution (DS), viscosity were studied. addition, analysed for their structural Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) X-ray diffractometry. comparison United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade (from Sigma-Aldrich) discussed. exhibited about 400 cps (2% 25°C) while USP 500 25°C), i.e. slightly higher than NaCMC. spectrum was identical that commercial presence C-O-C, C-C, O-H C-H bands. typical absorption bands observed between 1300 cm -1 1580 on spectra both indicated COO group. As diffractogram, profiles identical, even though less amorphous structure compared results suggest disruption crystallinity breaking hydrogen bonds opening accessibility other chemicals. These findings an underutilised industry could contribute towards development palm-based specialty chemicals industry.