Preparation of Micro Fibrillated Cellulose Based on Arenga Pinnata “Ijuk” Fibre for Nucleating Agent of Polypropylene: Characterization, Optimization and Feasibility Study

The applications of micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) are growing rapidly due to their environment benefit. In the present experiment, MFC from “Ijuk” fibre by chemical method was got. MFC was extracted from the fibre using multistage process, alkaline treatment for the removal of pectin, waxes and impurities on the surface fibre, oxidation treatment with sodium hypochlorite and then hydrolysis treatment with sulphuric acid. The removal of non-cellulosic components was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR). The treatment lead to increase crystalline part of fibre was demonstrated by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Diameter and surface morphology of MFC was displayed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The MFC had diameters in range 5.4-5.95 µm. Untreated ijuk fibre still had impurities and waxes and the diameter was 54 µm, on the other hand, the fibre became fibrillated after hydrolysis treatment. The feasibility study of MFC for nucleating agent was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The result showed a new approach for utilization of “Ijuk” fibre to examine MFC potential used as nucleating agent in polypropylene (pp) composite application.