Abstract

• In this research, micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) was prepared from sawdust of geland wood by three steps such as alkali treatment, bleaching and acid hydrolysis. The acid hydrolysis has been performed by two different H2SO4 concentrations (3N and 5N) whereas other conditions are remained unchanged. The physicochemical properties such as moisture content, ash content, particle density, porosity and water absorption capacity of sawdust and prepared MFC were determined by conventional methods. The bleached pulp and prepared MFC were characterized by EDXRF, FT-IR, TG-DTA, XRD and SEM spectroscopic methods. The relative abundance of elements present in MFC was obtained from the results of EDXRF. The oxidation reaction takes place during the preparation of MFC by using high concentrations of H2SO4 which has been detected by FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of bleached pulp and MFC were observed by TG-DTA. From the XRD results, the crystallinity of bleached pulp and prepared MFC was found to be 63.63% and 66.67% respectively. The films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVA/MFC composites at different mass ratios of PVA:MFC (1:0.1, 1:0.2, 1:0.3, 1:0.4 and 1:0.5) were made by using the prepared MFC as reinforcement. The surface morphology of prepared films was revealed by SEM. The physical and mechanical properties such as thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength and water vapour transmission rate of prepared films have been evaluated.