Cellulose-Fiber Based Biomaterial from Sengon (paraserianthes Falcataria) Bark Waste for Slow-released Perfumery Patchouli Oil

Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria) bark, an abundant lignocellulosic biomass waste in Indonesia, was utilized as a renewable precursor for the development of cellulose-based biomembranes. Cellulose fibers were isolated and chemically modified using urea and epichlorohydrin (ECH) to fabricate cross-linked three-dimensional biomembranes for essential oil storage and controlled-release applications. The isolated cellulose appeared as fine pale-white fibers with a crystallinity index of 34.6%, indicating a predominantly amorphous structure. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed characteristic cellulose peaks at 3350 and 1000 cm⁻¹, while a weak band at 1650 cm⁻¹ suggested the presence of residual lignin. Increasing ECH concentration resulted in smoother and denser membrane morphologies, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), indicating enhanced cross-linking density. FTIR spectra of the modified biomembranes further revealed the emergence of N–H and C–N stretching bands, confirming successful chemical modification. The unmodified membrane (CFM0) exhibited the highest patchouli essential oil loading capacity (24.7 mg/cm²), whereas commercial filter paper showed the lowest capacity (10.1 mg/cm²). Increasing ECH concentration reduced oil loading capacity but significantly improved controlled-release behavior. Overall, cellulose biomembranes derived from sengon bark demonstrate strong potential as a sustainable and tunable platform for essential oil encapsulation and controlled-release systems.