Development of pulp and paper using stem and fruit stem of Musa Species

Abstract

Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing, printing, and packaging. The stem and fruit stem of two Musa species, Musa Acuminata Balbisiana (Banana stem) and Musa Paradisiaca (Plantain stem), were expanded. This research aimed to find other alternatives to reduce the use of wood fibers that are being converted into paper. The stem chips were charged into a digester with different percentages (5, 10, and 15%) of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and were subjected to the impregnating temperature (60oC) for 1 hour before heating to 100oC for 3 hours. The stems were pounded finely with mortar and pestle and then bleached using 15% hydrogen peroxide. Calcium carbonate (10%) was added to both pulps obtained as filler, while 5% glue was added as a sizing agent. The mixture was agitated, pressurized, and air-dried, and mechanical tests were carried out. It was shown that the tearing resistance, tensile strength, and elongation tests obtained using 5% NaOH for banana, plantain and banana fruit stems were 0.84 mN, 17.82 N/m2, and 4.90 mm; 1.35 mN, 14.95 N/m, and 2.17 mm; and 1.90 mN, 24.77 N/m2, and 5.49 mm while the pulp yields were 36.7%, 35.5%, and 38.5%, respectively. The results obtained using 10% NaOH for banana, plantain, and banana fruit stems were 0.80 mN, 17.30 N/m2, and 4.85 mm; 1.25 mN, 14.73 N/m2, and 2.0 mm; 1.85 mN, 23.60 N/m2, and 5.35 mm while the pulp yields were 35.80%, 34.12%, and 32.25% in that order. Moreover, using 15% of NaOH for banana, plantain, and banana fruit stems gave 0.70 mN, 6.89 N/m2, and 1.86 mm; 0.79 mN, 8.70 N/m2, and 2.90 mm; and 1.5 mN, 12.62 N/m2, and 3.03 mm while the pulp yields were 33.8, 33.11, and 31.03%, respectively. This showed that banana fruit stems pulped at 5% NaOH gave better results than banana and plantain stems. In conclusion, the pulp is suitable for producing fiberboards and cartons.