Extraction and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) from Durian Rind for Biocomposite Application

The scientific community has become interested in cellulose extraction from agro-industrial wastes because they contain large quantities of cellulose and are being researched globally due to their application. Cellulose extracted from these wastes offers varying characteristics and structures depending on the specific source. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted from different parts of the durian husk through acid hydrolysis with various concentrations of oxalic acid and cellulose-to-acid ratios. The durian husk underwent a pretreatment method involving bleaching and alkaline treatment. The characteristics of MCC, such as functional group, morphology, and crystallinity, were studied. The findings indicated that lignin was successfully removed through pretreatment. However, traces of hemicellulose were still detected in a few samples. The extracted MCCs demonstrated a diameter range from 6.237 to 25.38 μm and crystallinity within the range of 71.43–78.30%. Polycaprolactone (PCL)-based biocomposites with different MCC weights (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 wt%) were fabricated, and the performance was evaluated through tensile testing and biodegradability tests. The addition of 1.0 wt% MCC enhanced the tensile strength by 22%. SEM analysis revealed the cross-section fracture surface of the biocomposite, indicating the contribution of the MCC during pull-out. Meanwhile, the biodegradability of the biocomposite increased with the addition of MCC, indicating that the MCC-based biocomposite was fully biodegradable.