Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose from Durian Rind

Cellulose was extracted from durian rind using delignification with acidic sodium chlorite then followed by mercerization with 17.5% (w/v) sodium hydroxide. Gas pycnometer indicated that density of extracted cellulose was 1.59 g/cm3. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic components. The micrograph by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed non-fibrous components scattered over the surface of durian rind were removed. Most of cellulose presented a diameter and aspect ratio in the range of 100 - 150 μm and 20 - 25, respectively. In the future, cellulose from durian rind has a potential to be used as a reinforcement elements in composite materials.