Characterization of CCDA
The synthesized CCDA was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water absorbency study to obtain the evidence of modification. The FTIR spectrum was recorded on a PerkinElmer FTIR spectrophotometer between 400 and 4000 cm−1 using the KBr pellet technique. SEM images of CC and CCDA were recorded on SEM Quanta 250 D9393 and SEM images of CR-loaded CCDA and regenerated CCDA on Jeol JSM6100 for the determination of the surface morphological changes. XRD patterns were recorded on a Philips PAN Analytical XPERT-PRO X-ray diffractrometer using a wavelength of 1.54060 Å (Cu Kα radiation), with the diffraction angle 2θ varied from 10° to 80°. Thermal degradation behavior was studied on a Mettler TG/DSC-1 analyzer at a heating rate of 20 °C/min. Water absorbency was studied at 37 °C in a medium of pH 4.