Characterization of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Derivatized from Melon Seed Shells α- Cellulose

This study focuses on converting melon seed shells, which are typically discarded as waste, into carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC), a valuable cellulose derivative with a wide range of industrial applications. By repurposing agricultural waste,specifically melon seed shells, this process adds value to an otherwise unused material. The dried and ground melonseed shells were initially soaked in hot water and subsequently treated with a 20% w/v sodium hydroxide (NaOH)solution at 90–100°C for 2 hours. The isolated cellulose fiber was transformed into carboxymethyl cellulose throughalkalization and etherification processes. The physicochemical, micromeritic and pre-formulation characterization ofthe derivatized melon Peel carboxymethyl cellulose (MP-CMC) was carried out. The MP-CMC gave a yield of 48% and adegree of substitution of 1.732 (57.7 % degree of substitution). The micromeritic analysis indicated that MP-CMCdemonstrated outstanding flow characteristics, with densities (bulk and tapped) of 0.3907 g/mL and 0.4238 g/mL,respectively, along with an angle of repose measuring 27.46°. Other analyses such as FTIR spectroscopy, X-raydiffraction and SEM imaging were employed to assess the structural, morphological and crystalline properties of MP-CMC. It can be concluded that MP-CMC if studied further could possibly be a potential pharmaceutical excipient