The Effect of Fe3O4 Addition on the Density and Porosity of Cellulose Nanofiber Aerogel Extracted by Oil Palm Trunk

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Fe₃O₄ addition on cellulose nanofiber aerogels' density and porosity characteristics. The cellulose nanofiber aerogels were synthesized with varying concentrations of Fe₃O₄: 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%. The characterization of the cellulose nanofiber aerogels included physical tests to determine density and porosity and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis for functional group analysis. The results reveal a progressive increase in density from the lowest to the highest Fe₃O₄ concentrations: 0.115 g/cm³, 0.135 g/cm³, 0.162 g/cm³, 0.163 g/cm³, and 0.241 g/cm³ for Fe₃O₄ concentrations of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%, respectively. Similarly, the porosity of the cellulose nanofiber aerogels exhibited a trend of decreasing values from the lowest to the highest Fe₃O₄ concentrations: 90.808%, 89.499%, 88.064%, 87.764%, and 82.844% for Fe₃O₄ concentrations of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%, respectively. Furthermore, FTIR analysis indicated that the structural integrity of the cellulose aerogels remained unchanged even after the incorporation of Fe₃O₄. While no new functional groups emerged, a discernible shift in wave numbers suggests the formation of bonds between the polymer network and Fe₃O₄. In conclusion, adding Fe₃O₄ to cellulose nanofiber aerogels led to notable alterations in density and porosity, while FTIR analysis confirmed the establishment of bonds between the polymer network and Fe₃O₄ without causing significant structural changes.