Synthesis of Hydrogels from Banana Stem Cellulose (Musa paradisiaca L.) with Chitosan and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Research on the preparation of cellulose hydrogel with chitosan and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has been successfully carried out. This study aims to determine the cellulose content in banana stem and the characteristics as well asthe effect of the composition chitosan and ethylenediamintetrasetic acid (EDTA) in synthesis cellulose hydrogels on the swelling value. The method used in cellulose hydrogel synthesis is the freeze-thaw method. The characterization of hydrogel was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). FTIR analysis on cellulose hydrogel showed specific functional groups O-H (3331), C-H (2899), C=O (1616), CH2 (1420), C-O (1323) and C-N (1037). SEM analysis shows a wavy surface, forming a slightly hollow aggregate that affects the degree of development. XRD analysis showed that the cellulose hydrogel was amorphous. The highest deswelling value was obtained in the cellulose hydrogel (H1) of 221.52%.