Effect of Monochloroacetic Acid on Properties of Carboxymethyl Bacterial Cellulose Powder and Film from Nata de Coco

Nata de coco has been used as a raw material for food preparation. In this study, the production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film from nata de coco and the effect of monochloroacetic acid on carboxymethyl bacterial cellulose (CMC(n)) and its film were investigated. Bacterial cellulose from nata de coco was modified into CMC form via carboxymethylation using various concentrations of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 g per 15 g of cellulose. The results showed that different concentrations of MCA affected the degree of substitution (DS), chemical structure, viscosity, color, crystallinity, and morphology of CMC(n). The optimum treatment for carboxymethylation was found using 24 g of MCA per 15 g of cellulose, which provided the highest DS at 0.83. The morphology of CMC(n) was related to DS value; a higher DS value showed denser and smoother surface than nata de coco cellulose. The various MCA concentrations increased the mechanical properties (tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break) and water vapor permeability of CMC(n), which were related to the DS value.