Synthesis of Cellulose Acetate from Rice Husk Cellulose by Ultrasound-Assisted Acetylation

Cellulose acetate is an important product derived from cellulose. Cellulose acetate can be used in a variety of applications including coatings, textile fibers, consumer goods, filtration membranes, composites, laminates, pharmaceutical, and medical items. Rice husk is a lignocellulosic material that contains cellulose and hemicellulose. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of process variables on the cellulose acetate product formation by ultrasound-assisted acetylation using iodine as a catalyst and to characterize the cellulose acetate product. The research was conducted through the delignification, bleaching, acetylation, and characterization processes. The results showed that the optimum yield of cellulose acetate was obtained at the temperature of 60 degrees C, the reaction time of 50 min, the weight of the catalyst of 10% of cellulose weight, and the ratio of cellulose and acetic anhydride of 1:5 (w/v). The acetylation process using iodine as a catalyst with an ultrasound-assisted method was more effective than the conventional acetylation (acetic acid glacial and sulfuric acid as a catalyst).

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the effect of process variables on cellulose acetate formation using ultrasound-assisted acetylation with iodine as a catalyst and characterize the products. The research involved delignification, bleaching, acetylation, and characterization processes. Results showed that the optimum yield of cellulose acetate was achieved at 60 degrees C, 50 min reaction time, 10% catalyst weight, and a cellulose to acetic anhydride ratio of 1:5 (w/v). Ultrasound-assisted acetylation using iodine as a catalyst was more effective than conventional acetylation with acetic acid and sulfuric acid as catalysts.