PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE PULP FROM FIBER OF DURIAN PEEL

Cellulose pulp is a biomolecule that obtained as a bundle of lignocellulose fiber. Durian peel is one of the most agricultural wastes that can be found in one province of Indonesia. This study aimed to prepare cellulose pulp from durian peel fiber. The separation of bundle durian peel fibre was performed using the grinding method. The extraction process is the most important step due to during this process any unwanted materials (hemicellulose, lignin, etc) can be removed from the cellulose matrix. The extraction was performed by using a chemical treatment that combined with steam explotion. The yield of cellulose pulp obtained by this process was about 40-45%. Cellulose pulp was categorized as short fiber or lead bleached craft pulp. Bright degree, extractive content (dichloromethane), and water content meet the minimum value of SNI 6107. The morphological analysis of durian cellulose pulp showed a smooth surface with pores in several places. The crystallinity index of cellulose pulp durian after treatment was an increase to 60.67% from 40.07%.