Modeling and Predicting the optimal conditions in microcrystal cellulose production from bagasse using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Microcrystalline cellulose is an important agent and additive in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and other industries. One of the important characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose powder is the degree of polymerization, which according to international standards, should be equal to or less than 350. In this research, using the Response Surface Methodology, the percentage of acid, reaction time, and input temperature are defined as the primary input variables affecting the degree of polymerization. The range of acid content to dry matter was set to be between 3 to 7%, temperature between 100 to 140 ° C and time between 120 to 150 minutes. Statistical analysis and mathematical modeling were performed to extract a nonlinear model (R2 =0.90) and then the optimum polymerization degree targeted to be 350. The acid percentage, temperature and time at the optimal degree of polymerization point were 3.34 %, 127 ° C, and 116 minutes, respectively. Using the optimal point data, the new experiment was carried out three times to validate the model. Then the average physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the produced microcrystalline cellulose were compared with the control sample. All physical and mechanical properties except for “ash” were in accordance with United States Pharmacopeia standards. The starting point of thermal degradation of the produced microcrystalline cellulose was 212 ° C compared to 226 ° C of the control sample, demonstrating improved thermal properties of the produced sample with the optimum values determined by the Design Expert software.