A Narrative Review: Bamboo Fiber as an Alternative Source for Pulp and Paper

Abstract

AbstractThis review was done to investigate the bamboo fiber properties suitable for replace hardwood fiber for Pulp and paper industry in Malaysia. Hardwood fiber sourcing from the forest had a challenge to an ecosystem and need to reduce. Bamboo fiber morphology and chemical characterization by 13 research papers from 1994 to 2021 were reviewed to find suitability for the paper-making process. Gigantochloa scortechinii and Bambusa vulgaris have become favorite species for a researcher. These two species of bamboo can be categories as long fiber, Runkle ratio around 1, and slenderness ratio above 33. Chemical characterization for both species also above 34% content for alpha-cellulose, more than 50% holocellulose, ash, and lignin content same as hardwood fiber. Investigation for other species also can vary the fiber source for the pulp and paper industry. Hence, these two species of bamboo fiber potential to replace hardwood fiber.KeywordsBambooPulp and paperMorphologyChemical composition