EXTRACTION, CHARACTERIZATION OF MICRO CRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE OBTAINED FROM CORN HUSK USING DIFFERENT ACID ALKALI TREATMENT METHOD

The aim of this work was to prepare low-cost and suitable microcrystalline cellulose [MCC] powder from corn husk [CH]. Extraction of microcrystalline cellulose was performed by pulping of husks with different acids [Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric acid, and Nitric acid], alkali [Sodium Hydroxide] treatment and bleaching. The morphology of the treated microcrystalline cellulose was investigated using scanning electron microscopy [SEM], which showed a compact structure and sharp surface. Fourier transform infrared [FT-IR] spectroscopy indicated that characteristic peaks of all prepared microcrystalline cellulose [Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric acid, and Nitric acid] samples and Marketed product [Avicel PH101] were similar. As per X-ray diffraction [XRD] crystallinity index of the produced microcrystalline cellulose ranged from 73% to 79%. The resultant excipient obtained from above mentioned method demonstrated strong thermal stability. Authenticity of the microcrystalline cellulose was proved by comparing physico chemical and micromeritic properties with Avicel PH101. Keywords: Microcrystalline cellulose, corn husk, physicochemical properties , micromeritic properties and thermal properties