Impact of Esterified Palm Oil Impregnation on Bacterial Cellulose Properties

Abstract

The impact of esterified palm oil (EPO) on the morphological, physical, and mechanical properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) was evaluated. BC was impregnated with 0.5-2.5% (w/v) of EPO in acetone water. The scanning electron microscope exhibited that EPO filling up the cellulose fiber and covered the porous cellulose structure provided the thicker and smoother surface. Subjection of EPO into BC gave rise to inconsiderable change in crystallinity and resulted in reduced tensile strength and Young's modulus but increased the fracture work and elongation at break. A substantial reduction in tensile strength and Young's modulus as well as the increase in fracture work and elongation at break was reached at 2.5% EPO addition. The addition of EPO lead to a BC with less rigid, more ductile, and more toughness properties. EPO expelled water in BC which was indicated by the decline of water absorption capacity.