Chemical Composition and Morphological Characterization of Enset (<i>E. ventricosum</i>) Leaf Residues for Paper Pulping Production: Kraft Pulping

Abstract

Currently, paper pulping production from woody materials has many disadvantages due to its high energy, chemical, water consumption, methane emissions, and deforestation. However, the use of non-woody materials solves these problems. This study focused on the use of non-virgin raw material (Enset leaf fiber) in pulp and paper making. Enset leaf residues are the primary solid residues after the steam plant is used for “Kocho” processing. This leaf fiber has a lignocellulose component, converting this residue into Pulp and paper is crucial in terms of economic and waste management via the Kraft process. It has a higher fiber quality, lower energy consumption, and high recoverability of the chemical raw materials used in the process. The chemical composition of the Enset leaf fiber was analyzed using the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper. It has an excellent fiber length (2.12±1.46mm), fiber diameter (26.55±15.6µm) andacceptable rigidity coefficient (1.05±0.07), and flexibility coefficient (125.23±0.04). The maximum pulp yield was obtained at a temperature of 120°C, NaOH concentration of 8%, and 40 min cooking time off, which was 69.92% w/w. The functional groups of the Enset leaf fiber and morphological characteristics of the fiber were investigated.