Vol. 11, Special Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Dr. Adarsh M. Kalla, Dr. Magdaline Eljeeva Emerald Franklin, Heartwin A. Pushpadassa, Sathish Kumar M.H. and Surendra Nath Battula

Abstract:
Cellulose was extracted from coconut shell powder (CSP) as a source of natural fiber, and used as reinforcing material in casein composite films. Extraction was done by delignification and mercerization of CSP. The microfibers structural and surface analyses revealed that their diameter had decreased and showed changes in surface morphology from that of the raw fibres. This has been further confirmed by SEM, XRD and FTIR results. The cellulose prepared in this work has been shown to possess good flow properties compared to CSP and commercial cellulose. The reinforcing capacity of 3% cellulose was evaluated in casein films prepared by casting method. Casein composite films with added cellulose increased their tensile strength and elastic modulus. However, the tensile strain decreased after incorporation of cellulose, indicating good toughness and resistance to deformation.