Analysis of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) as a potential alternative fibre in paper industry

Abstract

The forest tree had become beneficial as the major source of raw materials for paper production. However, the main concern is the dwindling forest tree resources. Fibre substitution from non-wood sources can overcome this problem. The abundance of napier grass is characterized as agro waste material, and has a high potential to become one of the substitution fibres. The objective of this work was to analyse the chemical composition of napier grass and to investigate the morphological properties of napier grass fibre. The chemical composition of the fibre was analysed by the TAPPI test method, chlorination method and Kuchner–Hoffner method. The results indicate the potential of napier grass as a fibre. The napier grass morphology showed a condensed composition of fibre structure under a scanning electron microscope. This study of napier grass indicated the suitability for promoting the green technology in developing an eco-friendly product.