Effect of hydrolysis on the physicochemical properties of microcrystalline cellulose prepared from ripe plantain peels

Abstract

The study investigates the effect of hydrolysis on the physicochemical properties of microcrystalline cellulose prepared from ripe plantain peels. Sample preparation and analysis was carried out as prescribed by AOAC and physical properties were investigated. The -cellulose was extracted from ripe plantain peels using inorganic reagents. The -cellulose extracted was partially hydrolyzed using tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hypochlorite (H3PO4) under reflux to obtain its microcrystalline cellulose. The result obtained was in line with Avicel pH 101 (A commercial brand of microcrystalline cellulose) and the acids hydrolysis indicated its high level of crystalinity. The result obtained shows that the bulk densities of H2SO4, HCl and H3PO4 was 0.3lg/cm3, 0.32g/cm3 and 0.22g/cm3, while the tapped densities O.40g/cm3, 0.40g/cm3 and 0.27g/cm3 respectively. This proved that HCl is more crystallined while H3PO4 is more amorphous (disordered). The study proved agro waste as a good source of microcrystalline cellulose for industrial purposes. Also agro-waste being low-cost alternative, its utilization will contribute to decreasing inflation and also in creating a healthy environment for the society.