Extraction of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Cotton Sliver and Its Comparison with Commercial Microcrystalline Cellulose

The work was aimed at the extraction of microcrystalline cellulose (EMC) from raw cotton sliver (RCS) by acid hydrolysis using sulphuric acid. The EMC was characterized and compared with commercial grade microcrystalline cellulose (CMC). Basic chemical pretreatments, bleaching and scouring were given to the RCS before extraction to remove natural colourants and hydrophobic impurities like oils, waxes, minerals, fats etc. The properties of EMC and CMC are considerably different from the RCS. Average particle size obtained was around 5–10 µm for EMC and CMC respectively. The EMC suspension was more stable than CMC suspension. The RCS, EMC and CMC were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and contact angle. EMC prepared from RCS has properties at par with CMC. Cotton being rich in cellulose content can be potentially used as the source for microcellulose extraction, particularly in the production of hydrophilic microcomposites.