Abstract:
Microcrystalline cellulose is an important derivative of cellulosic material
obtained from wood and non-wood sources, and is used for pharmaceutical, food,
cosmetics, and other industries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of
various hydrochloric acid concentrations on the characteristics of cellulose microcrystals
isolated from terap wood (Artocarpus elasticus). The microcrystalline cellulose was
hydrolyzed using hydrochloric acid, at concentrations of 1.5 N, 2.5 N, and 3.5 N for 15
minutes, and within a temperature range of 100-105o C. Thesamples were then analyzed
for changes in color and functional groups with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR), while crystallinity index was evaluated through X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRDF). The FTIR results showed similarity with commercial products, while X-Ray
Diffraction confirms the highest crystallinity index in the 2.5 N of cellulose I (69.395 %)
and cellulose II (82.73 %).
Keywords: cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, fast-growing species, crystallinity index,
artocarpus elasticus
