The Exploration of Alpha Cellulose in Kapok Fruit as Raw Material for Rocket Propellant Production

Abstract

Rocket propellant is an essential part of weapons systems whose raw materials are largely composed of alpha-cellulose. These chemical compounds can be obtained in a variety of plants and animals, including kapok plants. The objective of this study was to explore the alpha cellulose derived from kapok fruit with a purity level above 90% and meets the qualification as a rocket propellant. Extraction, digestion, and purification were performed to know the presence of alpha cellulose and its quantity. Type Expert MPDn of Philips X-ray diffractometer device according to Indonesian Industrial Standard (SII) was used I this study. Based on the result, it was known that the yield amount of 100 g sample extraction was 28,20g-48,57g with kappa number of 23,63-28,17. The purity level of alpha cellulose and100 g yield of samples obtained was 90.00%-96.89% with the yield of 26.19g-46.67g. The identification of alpha-cellulose in the fiber, center, and peel of kapok fruitmet the specifications as a raw material for propellant and met the standards to support the defence industry to produce nitrocellulose as the main material of rocket propellant.

Conversion of Bacterial Cellulose to Cellulose Nitrate with High Nitrogen Content as Propellant Ingredient

“…Kapok nitrocellulose has low nitrogen content maybe due to its cellulose purities. Plant-based cellulose become suitable source for propellant ingredients when it has more than 90% purity [4]. Surface Morphological analysis.…”

“…According to Astika et. al., kapok cellulose can be converted to nitrocellulose for propellant application as long as cellulose purities are more than 90% [4]. The challenge of cellulose sourcering from plant is that it does not exist in pure form.…”

Isolation of Cellulase from Selected Fungal Strains and Its Use for Manufacture Microcrystal Cellulose from Kapuk Cortex (Ceiba Pentandra (L.) Gaertn)

“…However, using kapok cortex fiber leaves waste that is not used. Astika et al (2017) previously reported that the peel of kapok contains 𝛼-cellulose was > 90%. The content of 𝛼-cellulose is relatively high in the kapok rind, indicating its potential as a source of microcrystalline cellulose material.…”