Microcrystalline Cellulose from Coconut Pulp Residue
Hydrolysis Optimization for Bioplastic Reinforcement
Keywords:
Microcrystalline cellulose, Coconut pulp residue, Optimization, HydrolysisAbstract
The volume of plastic waste in Indonesia grows every year, resulting in environmental pollution that affects both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Previous research has developed bioplastics as plastic alternatives; however, PVA-based bioplastics lack sufficient mechanical strength and require reinforcement materials. Coconut pulp residue shows potential as a sustainable material for this role, but must be synthesized into microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to function effectively. Converting cellulose into MCC begins with delignification, which produces alpha-cellulose through separation of the crystalline regions. Although previous studies have successfully produced MCC from coconut pulp residue, optimization of the hydrolysis process has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this research investigates the optimum HCl concentration and heating duration for hydrolysis, along with their impact on MCC properties. A factorial design was applied using three HCl concentrations (1.5 M, 2.0 M, and 2.5 M) and three heating times (10, 20, and 30 minutes). The research began with cleaning and defatting of coconut pulp residue, followed by delignification, bleaching, and hydrolysis, and ended with MCC characterization through yield percentage and FTIR-based HQI scoring. Results showed that 2.0 M HCl for 10 minutes produced the optimum MCC, confirmed by FTIR functional groups, 37.25% crystallinity from XRD, and SEM-observed morphology.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gelbert Jethro Sanyoto, Yohanes Alan Sarsita Putra, Alexander Ivan Christopher Setyawan, Victoria Kristina Ananingsih
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