Cationic Modification of Cellulose From Empty Oil Palm Bunches Berliana Nur Hazijah*
Departement of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia
*Email: berliananur[at]student.ub.ac.id
Abstract
Empty Oil Palm Fruit Bunches (EFB) are the primary waste product generated in large quantities from oil palm plantations. In Indonesia, the palm oil processing industry produces approximately 2.5 million tons of EFB solid waste annually. For every ton of palm oil processed, approximately 230 until 250 kg of solid waste is generated. One component of EFB with potential for utilization is cellulose. This compound is hydrophilic due to the numerous hydroxyl groups in its molecular structure. This hydrophilic nature makes cellulose readily absorb moisture, which, if excessive and prolonged, can damage the cellulose structure. Therefore, cellulose modification is necessary to improve its functional properties for wider applications. This study aimed to determine changes in cellulose characteristics after modification at various temperatures and CTAB concentrations, and to determine the best treatment combination based on parameters such as water absorption, yield, and water content.Cationic modification was carried out using cellulose extracted from EFB, CTAB, 1M NaOH solution, and demineralized water as the main ingredients. The study used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two treatment factors: CTAB concentration (1%, 2%, and 3% w/v) and modification temperature (50, 60, and 70 ). The research process included cationic modification of cellulose using CTAB, as well as testing the water absorption, yield, and water content. From the results of tests carried out on modified cellulose, it was found that the best results is CTAB 1% and temperature 60.
Keywords: Cellulose- Cellulose Modification- CTAB- Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches
