Optimization of NaOH concentration and trichloroacetic acid in bacterial carboxymethylation cellulose

Abstract

The aims of this study were to obtain the optimal concentration of NaOH and trichloroacetic acid in the process of making CMC from bacterial cellulose. The experimental design used is response surface method. In the present study, NaOH as the variable X1 is concentration with a minimum limit (-1) of 30%, optimal limit (0) of 35% while the maximum limit (+1) of 40%. Variable X2 is the trichloroacetic acid concentration with a minimum limit (-1) of 25%, an optimal limit (0) of 30% and a maximum limit (+1) of 35%. Based on calculations using the program, expert design combination of treatments was obtained by 13 samples. The selection of the treatment above is based on the fact that in making CMC the alkalization process and carboxymethylation play an important role. The results showed variable optimum points of NaOH and Trichloroacetic Acid concentrations were 35.95% and 30.87%. The optimum point of the independent variable, the optimum response value of the substitution degree obtained was 0.897, water content of 20.08%, pH of 10.04 and viscosity of 17. 26%. In conclusion, that the best treatment of NaOH concentration on 35.95%, trichloroacetic acid on 30.87%, substitution degrees on 0.93, water content on 19.86%, pH on 10.17, and viscosity on 17.39 cPs.