Old corrugated cardboards (OCCs) that is known as lignocellulosic waste are one of the large by-products of commercial
and industrial activities. Thus, the alternative uses for such waste are currently being sought. The aim of this study was to extract
cellulose from OCC by using chemical treatment. The method includes alkaline treatment, washing, bleaching treatment, and drying
to produce final product of OCC cellulose (OCCC) powder. The yield of OCCC obtained was 39.28%. OCCC was then
characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry
analysis (TGA). FTIR exhibits the functional groups of cellulose in both IR spectrum of OCCC and CC, and no sign of
hemicellulose and lignin. DSC results showed endothermic peaks were more profound in OCCC compared to CC. Endothermic
peak corresponds to the removal of water. TGA results showed the highest degradation profile exhibited from CC TG curve with
80% weight loss, compared to OCCC which has 35% weight loss. The residue of CC was around 14% whereas OCCC was 41%.
In conclusion, this study have isolated cellulose by removing most hemicellulose and lignin from OCCC. OCCC is a potential to
be developed as a functional cellulosic molding in pharmaceutical field, which may eventually reduce the environmental problem
that is caused by OCC waste.
Key words: Old corrugated cardboard; cellulose extraction; alkaline treatment; bleaching treatment
|
