Advances the in Utilization of Bamboo for Paper Production and the Implication for Countries with Bamboo Resources

Abstract

The fibrous raw materials for pulp and paper production have expanded considerably since paper was discovered in China in 105 AD. Today, apart from hemp, rags and the bark of mulberry tree that were used during this period, many wood and non-wood fibres including agricultural residues are used for pulp and paper production. While wood continue as a major fibrous raw material for paper production, bamboo utilization for pulp and production is also expanding. While bamboo has challenges such as silica deposition, it also has a number of advantages that are promoting its utilization in the pulp and paper industries. Among the advantages of bamboo include its high fibre length compared with hardwoods and other non-wood fibres, high growth rate and generation good chemical composition. This is gradually leading to expansion in bamboo pulp and paper production globally. Counties with adequate bamboo resources could take the advantages inherent in bamboo production and pulping to develop their pulp and paper industries. Keywords: bamboo, pulping, kraft, atnthraquinone (AQ), pulp and paper DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/83-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2022