Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose from Pretreated Ficus (Peepal Tree) Leaf Fibers

In this work, we carried the physicochemical characterization of the cellulose extracted from the forestry residue of ficus leaves using chemical method. Detailed chemical composition of the ficus leaf fibers (both untreated and pretreated) and extracted cellulose was carried out. The chemical analysis confirmed the sequential removal of the lignin and hemicellulose components from the ficus leaves fibers. The morphology of the ficus leaf fibers and extracted cellulose was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Structural analysis was carried out by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The studies indicated that on chemical treatments the lignin and hemicellulose were removed extensively from the ficus leaf fibers. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that extracted cellulose was more crystalline than the ficus leaf fibers. The thermal stability of ficus leaf fibers and extracted cellulose was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and the extracted cellulose had good thermal stability.