Fabrication of Cladophora Algae Based Cellulose Films with Interconnected-Strings Structure and The Study of its Application as an Air Conditioner Filter

• Main Author: Salman Ghifari, Beta
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/33499
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Seaweed is one of the most abundant natural resource of Indonesia that is not yet used to its maximum potential. Recent studies have shown that Indonesia is one of the highest producers of seaweed competing with only China. Seaweeds contain cellulose that can be applied to a variety of applications. A study reported by Mihranyan A. shows that cellulose extracted from the green algae Cladophora has a morphology with interconnected-strings structure which shows a resemblance to spider webs and has the potential to be applied as an air conditioner filter. In this research, cellulose was extracted from Cladophora by a NaOH solution with varying concentration namely 5, 10, and 15%. The produced extract was then bleached by using 5% H2O2 followed by acidic hydrolysis in 1M H2SO4 to obtain cellulose in the form of Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The MCC was then formed into a thin film by the solution casting process. MCC film was tested by the pressure drop test according to ASHRAE 52.1-1992 and 52.2-1999 standards and results show that the thin film formed by solution casting is impermeable to air flow and cannot be applicated as an AC filter as of this study.