Reinforcement of chitosan film using cellulose isolated from grass (imperata cylindrica)

Cellulose from grass (imperata cylindrica) had been used as reinforcement in chitosan film preparation. Cellulose was obtained from grass through hydrolysis process. Hydrolysis was conducted with different concentration of sulfuric acid at room temperature for 2 h. The results show that the highest crystallinity of cellulose was obtained at sulfuric acid concentration of 40% (v/v) on hydrolysis process. The isolated cellulose with the highest crystallinity was used as reinforcement on chitosan film preparation. Mechanical test shows addition of isolated cellulose into chitosan film improved the tensile strength. The FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction between components in the film.