Characterization and Adsorptive Capacity of Gutta Percha Leaf

BACKGROUND: Gutta-percha leaf, a natural material derived from the gutta tree, has gained attention for its adsorptive capacity in various applications. Gutta-percha leaf is a natural material with unique properties that make it suitable for multiple applications, including its adsorptive capacity. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the characterization and adsorptive capacity of the gutta-percha leaf. Characterization involves analyzing the material’s physical, chemical, and structural properties to understand its composition and behavior. The adsorptive capacity revealed the ability of the gutta-percha leaf to attract and retain molecules on its surface through physical interactions. METHODS: This study focuses on the characterization of gutta-percha leaf using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. SEM imaging and FTIR analysis were utilized to investigate the surface morphology, thermal stability and chemical composition of gutta-percha leaf at the microscale level. A parametric study was conducted to analyse the effects of temperature, contact time, concentration, pH, and adsorbent dosage on the adsorptive capacity of gutta-percha leaf. RESULTS: The analysis revealed valuable insights into the physical, chemical, and structural properties of gutta-percha leaf, shedding light on its composition and behaviour. The adsorptive capacity of gutta-percha leaf was also demonstrated through its ability to attract and retain molecules on its surface. The results revealed insights into the surface morphology, thermal stability, chemical composition, crystalline structure, and adsorptive capacity of gutta-percha leaf under varying experimental conditions. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the potential of gutta-percha leaf as an effective adsorbent in various applications due to its unique properties and adsorptive capacity. This study enhances the understanding of gutta-percha leaf’s characterization and adsorptive capacity, suggesting its potential for diverse environmental and industrial applications.