Extraction and characterization of biomass microcrystalline cellulose from Terminalia catappa leaves for food packaging applications

In this research, microcrystalline cellulose was extracted from Terminalia catappa plant leaves (TCLC) through various chemical methods such as neutralization, alkalization, slow pyrolysis, acid hydrolysis, and bleaching. Thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform spectroscopy were employed to get more data pertaining to the isolated cellulose. The crystalline size of the isolated cellulose powder was measured to be 12.69 nm, and it exhibited a notable crystallinity index of 51.09%. Upon scanning with a scanning electron microscope, a smooth and spherical surface is observed. The differential thermogram curve demonstrates that the maximum temperature of degradation occurs at 319.33 °C. The micro-sized particles, with a predominant diameter ranging from 100 to 120 µm, are recognized utilizing ImageJ. The density of extracted cellulose is 1.426 g/cm³. Cellulose-reinforced poly-L-lactic acid biofilms were also prepared. The tensile strength (23.05 MPa) of the 2% TCLC-filled poly-L-lactic acid biofilms was higher than that of films without filler material (20.65 MPa). All the above outcomes conclude that TCLC-filled poly-L-lactic acid biofilms can be used in food packaging applications.