Papermaking potential of Pennisetum hybridum fiber after fertilizing treatment with municipal sewage sludge

Abstract

This study uses municipal sewage sludge (MSS) as a fertilizer for cultivating Pennisetum hybridum (hybrid Giant Napier grass). The effects of the MSS treatment on the chemical composition of Pennisetum hybridum and on the properties of paper made from its pulp were investigated. The study found that the holocellulose content of Pennisetum hybridum exceeded 72% and the fiber length reached 0.83 mm for one-year-old MSS treated plants. The tensile index of paper made from Napier grass fiber increased by 194% after beating. SEM observation revealed that the Pennisetum hybridum fiber bonded more tightly after beating. The content of carboxylic acid groups was similar in the fibers of 3-month-old and 1-year-old hybrid Giant Napier plants, and higher than that for 1.5-year-old plants. The present research demonstrates that Pennisetum hybridum fiber is suitable for pulping and paper-making after fertilizing treatment of the plants with MSS, which provides new ways for MSS utilization.