Characterization of microcrystalline cellulose from red seaweed Gracilaria verucosa and Eucheuma cottonii

Abstract Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is pure isolated from alpha cellulose. The demand for renewable and sustainable raw materials the industry has developed as one of most pressing challenges in recent decades. seaweed processing produces a large amount solid fibrous waste, which can be utilized an additional source feedstock. increase production continues to increase, well waste that used another materials. This study red i.e., Gracilaria verucosa Echeuma cottonii produce high-quality MCC. are treated chemically through alkali, bleaching, acid hydrolysis obtain Following X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis result, MCC standard had crystallinity 67.2%, while -MCC (GV-MCC) sample was 53.0% (EC-MCC) 58.4%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed GV-MCC EC-MCC almost resemble standard. morphology characteristic Scanning electron microscope (SEM) presented difference between material before after isolation into According Particle size analyzer (PSA) mean sizes 0.786 0.522 µm, respectively. potential wide range industries.