Cellulose was extracted from coconut shell powder (CSP) as a source of natural fiber, and used as reinforcing material in casein composite films. Extraction was done by delignification and mercerization of CSP, with yield of 27.5% cellulose. The isolated cellulose was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The SEM micrographs revealed that the mean width of microfibrils was 5–20 µm, while AFM showed mean surface roughness of 1.37 nm. FTIR spectra revealed the absence of lignin and hemicellulose in the cellulose, indicating their successful removal from CSP during extraction of cellulose. XRD indicated crystallinity content of 65.4% in cellulose. The flow properties of extracted cellulose were compared with that of commercial grade cellulose. The bulk, tapped and true densities of extracted cellulose were 368.8, 493.8 and 1313 kg/m3, respectively, whereas Hausner ratio and Carr’s index were 1.34 and 25.3%, respectively. The reinforcing capacity of 3% cellulose was evaluated in casein films prepared by casting. Casein composite films with added cellulose increased their tensile strength and elastic modulus from 4.98 to 7.20 MPa and 9.91 to 83.42 MPa, respectively. However, the tensile strain decreased from 52.08 to 8.66% after incorporation of cellulose, indicating good toughness and resistance to deformation.
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