EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERISATION OF CELLULOSE FROM RED SEAWEEDS OF Hypnea musciformis AND Sarconema filliforme

The study shows a comparison of cellulose extracted from two species of red seaweeds, namely Hypnea musciformis and Sarconema filliforme. The celluloses were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM analyses. The studies show similarities in the characteristics of the celluloses extracted from H. musciformis and S. filliforme. FTIR analysis confirms the presence of O-H and C-H bonds in the celluloses of both species, while the XRD patterns of celluloses confirm their crystallinity, with a maximum peak at 22 degrees. The thermal stability of the celluloses from H. musciformis and S. filliforme was observed in the range of 250 to 350 degrees C. The morphological structure of the celluloses was studied using SEM and both celluloses showed smooth pore-free surface.