Utilization of sugarcane molasses as a dry-strength additive for old corrugated container recycled paper

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of molasses, a low cost by-product of the sugarcane extraction, for improvement of the physicomechanical properties of old corrugated container (OCC) recycled paper as a dry-strength agent. The influence of fiber beating on the enhancing effect of molasses was also investigated. Five dosages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 18%) of molasses and 3 levels of freeness (420, 400, and 320mL CFS) were used as variable factors. For each treatment, 6 handsheets, each having an area of 200cm2 and basis weight of 120g/m2, were made. The experimental results showed that except for the case of tear index, the increase in mechanical and physical properties were considerably higher than control (untreated) samples. Significant changes of tensile and burst indices, breaking length, and air resistance were observed after the addition of 18% molasses. From a statistical viewpoint, the addition of molasses had more positive effects on the above-mentioned properties, compared to the fiber beating. However, at a certain dosage of molasses, with increased beating, the strength properties were improved remarkably. This is due to the molasses adsorption efficiency, which depends on the specific surface of particles. The water retention values (WRV) were moderately increased by applying molasses, however with increasing dosage the WRV was improved. From these findings, it is concluded that molasses is a promising dry-strength agent and it can also be used as a replacement for cellulosic fibers. This conclusion is in good agreement with the previous research articles, which introduced molasses as a new additive in papermaking.