Pulp Material Research Articles

Bamboo Kraft Pulp Black Liquor as a Renewable Source of Value-Added Carbon Dots

China is the country with the most abundant bamboo resources in the world. Using bamboo as a raw material for pulping and papermaking can save a lot of wood and protect forests. Bamboo pulping enterprises mostly adopt sulfate processes to produce a large amount of black liquor (BL), which contains monosaccharides, polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, pectin, lignin, etc. The utilization of the high-value organic matter is of great economic and environmental significance. In this study, blue-green carbon dots (C-dots) were prepared from bamboo (Lingnania chungii) kraft pulp BL using a hydrothermal method. The changes in carbohydrate content in BL in relation to hydrothermal temperature and hydrothermal time were discussed in detail. Then, a series of characterizations of BL-C-dots, prepared under one of the hydrothermal conditions (180 °C, 6 h), were performed and the BL-C-dots showed an excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectrum and a quantum yield (QY) of 2.9% in an aqueous solution. Finally, the as-prepared BL-C-dots were successfully used as fluorescent materials to develop an anti-counterfeiting code. The fluorescent code exhibited a clear outline, an excitation-tunable color, good stability, and high security, showing great anti-counterfeiting potential and realizing the high-value utilization of BL.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Natrium Hidroksida dan Waktu Pemasakan Terhadap Penurunan Kadar Lignin Menggunakan Kulit Edamame (Glycin Max (L) Merill) dengan Proses Soda

The increase in demand for pulp and kertas raises awareness of the problem of kayu hutan as the primary raw material for pulp and kertas production. As a result, an alternative to kayu is required. One non-kayu tanaman that has the potential to be used as an alternative raw material in pulp production is edamame kulit (Glycin max (L) merrill), which is slowly brewed or baked such that it can cause environmental problems. Kulit edamame has a relatively high selulosa content of 2.3% to 13.1%. This study aims to understand the effects of pemasakan and the concentration of natrium hydroxide on the lignin pulp from kulit edamame using the soda process. The best method for this study is to use NaOH concentrations of 0.7%, 0.9%, and 1.78%, 1.82, and 1.86 percent at pemasakan times (100, 115, 125, 135, 145 menit) has lignin tertinggi kadar of 2,0376% and lignin terendah kadar of 0,9000%. The purpose of this study is to determine the pulp quality that is obtained from the soda process using NaOH concentration and the best combination of NaOH concentration and pemasakan time in the production of pulp from Kulit Edamame. The results of the study show that as the concentration of NaOH increases, the amount of lignin will decrease. This is because increasing the concentration of pemasakan's lignin can increase the amount of delignification and the amount of lignin that degrades will result in better pulp. And the longer the pemasakan time, the longer the lignin kadar will flow, resulting in a pulp that is more putih and has better quality.

The influence of washing of rice straw lignin isolation on polyurethane synthesis for coating in biomedical application

This study examined the effectiveness of different washing methods in improving the quality and functionality of rice straw lignin for its application in the synthesis of polyurethane as a coating material for biomedical pulp. The findings demonstrated that lignin subjected to triple washing (LW3) displayed the highest level of purity, as evidenced by elevated values of ph-OH and total phenolic content. LW3 exhibited the lowest syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, however, it had the highest mean molecular weight. Moreover, the LW3 was employed as a precursor for the production of polyurethane. Kidney trays coated with polyurethane demonstrated prolonged resistance to hot and cold water for over 4 h. This coating effectively adhered to the fibers of the tray and sealed the pores, resulting in enhanced water resistance. This study offers valuable insights into the advancement of sustainable biobased materials for the purpose of utilizing agricultural byproducts in the synthesis of polymers for various high-value applications.

A preliminary investigation of banana pseudo-stem (Musa cavendish) for pulp and paper production: morphology, chemical composition, FTIR, XRD and thermogravimetric analysis

Abstract In today’s world, the use of paper and cardboard increasing but the availability of raw materials and the environmental impact on the paper industry is a big concern. To address these concerns, researchers are exploring the potential of agricultural waste products as raw materials for pulp production. This study uses morphological, chemical composition, FTIR, XRD, and thermogravimetric analysis to examine the potential of banana pseudo-stem as a raw material for paper pulp to address environmental concerns and raw material shortages in the paper industry. The study reveals favorable characteristics for papermaking, including long fiber length (1750 μm), thin cell wall thickness (9.7 μm), and large lumen diameter (22.15 μm). The chemical composition of banana pseudo-stem contains cellulose (44.93 %), hemicellulose (23.7 %), and Klason lignin (11.1) showing its suitability for pulp production. FTIR analysis highlights the functional groups present on the banana pseudo-stem. The XRD analysis shows that it has a similar cellulosic peak and crystallinity index with common raw materials used in pulp production. The thermogravimetric analysis shows that the banana pseudo-stem has high thermal stability. The findings demonstrate that banana pseudo-stem, both by itself and in combination with other raw materials, might be a potential raw material for the pulp production.

Anatomical characteristic and fiber morphology of fibrovascular bundle of Indonesian nipa (Nypa fruticans) frond

Nipa (Nypa Fruticans) is a palm tree that grows in wetlands and mangroves. Nipa fronds possess lignocellulose and hold the potential as a viable source for producing composite boards, pulp, and paper. This research aims to identify the anatomical and morphological characteristics of nipah fronds fiber, especially in the fibrovascular bundle. Nipa fronds were observed in the radial and longitudinal directions. There are four zones in the radial direction, consisting of the outer zone (convex and concave), middle zone, and inner zone. The longitudinal positions consist of the bottom, intermediate, and upper. Anatomical characteristics were observed using a light microscope focused on the fibrovascular bundle's characteristics. Fiber morphology was measured at each position with 20 repetitions of each measurement. The results showed that the number of FVB increased from the outer zone, especially convex towards the middle and inner zone. Thus, the outer fronds are denser than the inner zone. Based on observations of fiber morphology, the concave (radial) zone in the intermediate position (longitudinal) has the longest fiber compared to the other parts. Meanwhile, the cell wall thickness is greatest at the bottom of the concave zone. The widest lumen diameter is the convex zone at the bottom position. This research can conclude that the FVB of nipa palm fronds, both longitudinal and radial, are included in quality class III, which is good enough to be used as raw material for pulp and paper.

Differences of compressive strength between calcium carbonate from blood clam shells and calcium hydroxide as a candidate for pulp capping material

Background: Pulp capping is one of the treatments for reversible pulpitis and aims to maintain pulp vitality. This treatment requires a material that can protect the pulp with good biocompatibility. The physical and mechanical properties, bio interactivity and bioactivity of pulp capping materials are very important for the formation of reparative dentin. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as the gold standard material in pulp capping treatment also has some disadvantages. Another alternative for pulp capping material is blood clam shell because it contains 98% calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is a compound with a bone-like structure and can induce pulp cell differentiation. Objective: To investigate and explain the difference in compressive strength between CaCO3 from blood clam shells and Ca(OH)2 as a candidate pulp capping material. Methods: This research is a laboratory experimental study with post test only control group design method. Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 samples were formed with a mixture of powder and aquadest with 4x6 mm sample size. The samples were dried at room temperature and the compressive strength was measured using a universal testing machine (UTM). Result: There is a significant difference in compressive strength between Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 blood clam shells in the Mann-Whitney test results (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the compressive strength test between the mixture of Ca(OH)2 with aquadest in a ratio of 1:1 are greater than the mixture of CaCO3 blood clam shells with aquadest in a ratio of 3:1 so that pure CaCO3 blood clam shells with distilled water without other additives cannot be used as a candidate for capping pulp material.

CHARACTERIZATION OF UNBLEACHED PULP FROM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES OF OIL PALM AS A RAW MATERIAL FOR BROWN PAPER

Improper disposal of palm biomass wastes resulting from industrial palm oil production may contribute to the environmental issues in Indonesia. However, given their abundance and availability, empty fruit bunches (EFB) can be potentially considered as a raw material for unbleached pulp. In this study, unbleached pulp was produced from oil palm EFB by a pulping process with alkaline pretreatment. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose in the pulp, with absorption peaks at 3332 cm-1 corresponding to the O-H stretching and at 1029 cm-1 assigned to the stretching of the C-O-C bond, respectively. SEM images revealed the aspect of individual fibers, with a rigid appearance, in the pulp obtained from EFB biomass. The major crystalline peak was observed at 2θ of 22.41°, indicating the presence of cellulose. Brown paper was made from the unbleached pulp (A4 size, with a grammage of 134 g/m2 and a thickness of 219.3 μm) and proved to have excellent mechanical strength. Therefore, unbleached pulp from oil palm EFB can be recommended to be used in the manufacture of brown paper.

Feasibility of recycling the filtrate from acidified black liquor for alkaline pulping of golden bamboo grass

To reduce energy consumption, a new pulping process called A-D-E-RC (acidification/desalination/electrolysis/recycle-cooking) was developed by a research group in Guangxi University of China. The present work focuses on the step of recycle cooking (RC) to further investigate the technical feasibility of A-D-E-RC methods. Golden bamboo grass was considered as fiber source material for pulp, and it was cooked with the acidic treating of wastewater from black liquor. Then, the pulp obtained from each cooking was made into paper to test the changes in its physical properties. As a result, the pulp yield increased from 43.9% to 50.2%, after re-using acidified black liquor, and the paper’s tear index and tensile index were improved. Therefore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of recycle cooking (RC) fiber materials for pulp applied the acidic treating wastewater from black liquor, and thereby, it further identifies the technical feasibility of A-D-E-RC pulping methods.

Alkali-based lignin extraction from lignocellulosic material and upgradation of residual pulp as bio-packaging material towards sustainable biomass utilization

The current study explored the extraction of lignin from paddy straw and kans grass, while focusing on the yield and physico-chemical properties of lignin. Alkali-based lignin extraction from lignocellulosic biomass indicated a positive correlation between NaOH concentration and lignin yield. An increase in NaOH concentration from 0.50 % to 2.00 % resulted in increased yield of lignin from 129.16 to 447.07 mg/g and 222.79 to 551.37 mg/g of lignin from paddy straw and kans grass, respectively. The extracted lignin was characterized by FTIR and XRD, showed its chemical structure homogeneity with commercial lignin. Bio-packaging specimens were created using residual pulp and characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. The specimens of both the biomass were found to effectively withstand a load of 7.36 kg and 11.17 kg, respectively before crumpling. Further, the mass balance of the optimized process showed its industrial applicability for the fractionation and utilization of lignocellulosic biomass.

Exploring Oxytenanthera abyssinica as a sustainable alternative for pulp and paper production: A response surface methodology approach for optimized soda pulping

Oxytenanthera abyssinica has been investigated as a possible substitute raw material for pulp and paper production because of its long fiber (2.40 mm), larger fiber width (21.83 μm), and flexibility ratio (0.72), smaller Runkel ratio (0.35), large slenderness ratio (109.98), and thinner cell wall thickness (2.74 μm). A response surface methodology (RSM) method was applied to explore and identify the best conditions for soda processing of the O. abyssinica stem. Soda concentration, cooking temperature, and cooking time were used to optimize the process of pulp production and the Kappa number (KPN). Under optimal conditions such as 180 min cooking time, 20 % active alkali, and 165 °C cooking temperature, the highest pulp yield and the lowest KPN were 43.48 % and 19.9, respectively. The optimized pulp was used to make a paper sheet having mechanical characteristics of the tensile index (28.23 Nm/g), tearing index (10.70 mNm2/g), and Burst index (1.11 kPam2/g). This study demonstrates that O. abyssinica pulp can produce paper with mechanical properties of medium strength equivalent to that of paper using a more environmentally friendly pulping process such as soda pulping compared to kraft and sulfite pulping. In summary, it can be inferred that O. abyssinica holds significant promise as a substitute raw material for pulp and paper industries. However, it is recommended to conduct pilot plant studies for further exploration.

Preparation of fiber raw materials by cooking golden bamboo grass (Arundo donax) with calcified regenerated alkali solution

The increasing consumption of paper products has led to a shortage of paper fiber raw materials. It is necessary to develop new plant materials to alleviate the shortage of fiber suitable for papermaking. In this study, the fast-growing plant golden bamboo grass (Arundo donax), which is cultivated and planted in Guangxi province of China, was used as a new material for pulping. The average pulp yield by cyclic-cooking method averaged 48.6%, being 4.1% greater than the pulp yield by the ordinary caustic soda method. Much of the increased yield was attributable to the reprecipitation of lignin onto the fibers. The paper properties of the pulp prepared by cycle-cooked method did not decrease significantly, compared with the pulp prepared by the usual single-cooked method. Therefore, the pulp met the requirements of national standards of many kinds of papers. However, the pulp was not suitable for bleaching, due to its high consumption of oxidizing agents to reach the required brightness. Therefore, this research demonstrates that the fast-growing plant, Arundo donax is a good raw material for pulp, and the innovative method of cycle-cooking method can significantly improve the pulp yield.

Performance Improvement of Flow Rate of Spiral Chip Feeder in Domestic Cattle Manure monitor Making Machine

The abstract outlines a study focused on the stability and effectiveness of a screw feeding mechanism designed for the outlet of pulping material in a screw reactor. This reactor functions as a continuous system where material is transported and mixed by a screw (augur). The study emphasizes the importance of operational conditions in influencing the process outcomes. To efficiently understand and optimize the system, the researchers employed modelling techniques, which are often quicker and more cost-effective than conducting experiments. The paper provides a comprehensive list of modelling approaches, both validated by experiments and theoretical, that is applicable to various aspects of screw reactor operation. Additionally, the study delves into new product development, specifically shaping a conical screw feeding reactor along with its shaft and flights design. A crucial aspect analyzed is the radial force effect on the flight surface during spiral rotation. Structural engineering techniques were employed to ensure the sustainability of the design, with validation results confirming its effectiveness. Keywords: Screw, Radial Force, Pulping Material

Characterization of Asoka (Saraca Indica L.) branch wood for pulp and paper manufacturing

Asoka (Saraca indica L.) branch wood was evaluated for its chemical composition, morphological features, kraft pulping behavior, and physical properties. The Asoka used in this study contained low amounts of cellulose and hemicellulose, but higher amounts of lignin and ash. It was found that the morphological indices of Asoka branch wood were mostly adequate for pulping and papermaking. The pulping of this wood was performed using chemi-mechanical pulping (CMP), conventional kraft pulping, and soda pulping processes under different conditions, i.e., active alkali and anthraquinone (AQ) addition. The results showed that alkaline pupling and CMP provided low screened yield values. Acceptable kappa numbers and reject levels were obtained at 22% active alkali of soda and kraft-AQ pulpings. CMP pulp showed higher brightness and screened yield than that of alkaline pulps. Alkaline pulpings of Asoka branch wood provided slightly different strength properties of paper sheets than those of CMP pulp. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Asoka branch wood is more suitable as a raw material for mechanical pulping than it is for alkaline pulping.

Direct synthesis of a lithium carboxymethyl cellulose binder using wood dissolving pulp for high-performance LiFePO4 cathodes in lithium-ion batteries

Lithium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Li) is a promising novel water-based binder for lithium-ion batteries. The direct synthesis of CMC-Li was innovatively developed using abundant wood dissolving pulp materials from hardwood (HW) and softwood (SW). The resulting CMC-Li-HW and CMC-Li-SW binders possessed a suitable degree of substitutions and excellent molecular weight distributions with an appropriate quantity of long- and short-chain celluloses, which facilitated the construction of a reinforced concrete-like bonding system. When used as cathode binders in LiFePO4 batteries, they uniformly coated and dispersed the electrode materials, formed a compact and stable conductive network with high mechanical strength and showed sufficient lithium replenishment. The prepared LiFePO4 batteries exhibited good mechanical stability, low charge transfer impedance, high initial discharge capacity (∼180 mAh/g), high initial Coulombic efficiency (99 %), excellent cycling performance (<3% loss over 200 cycles) and good rate capability, thereby outperforming CMC-Na and the widely used cathode binder polyvinylidene fluoride.

Preparation and characterization of handsheet using cellulose based Agri-weed: A sustainable utilization of Urena Lobata fiber

The increasing depletion of reserves of natural resources has led to a growing worldwide focus on the exploitation of available waste in new domains. The presence of weedy plants is pervasive on a global scale and has detrimental effects on several aspects of the environment, agriculture, and people's health. Therefore, repurposing these Agri-weed plants for beneficial purposes would be a significant achievement. Furthermore, since raw materials constitute a substantial portion of manufacturing costs, using weeds as a feasible substitute for raw materials might potentially provide considerable advantages for manufacturers. In this study, an endeavor has been made to the utilization of agricultural waste “Urena Lobata”, for the purpose of paper production. In the interim, the utilization of Urena Lobata as an alternative and sustainable raw material for pulp and paper industry could potentially offer a beneficial approach to mitigation of deforestation. The effective production of handsheets with weights of 70 g/m2 and 80 g/m2 was achieved using Urena Lobata fiber, Bleached Urena Lobata Fiber, and hardwood kraft pulp. Mechanical characteristics of handsheet's were comprehensively examined by the bursting index, tensile strength, tear index, brightness percentage and scanning electron microscope for handsheet's morphology. The results show that the handsheets produced by Urena Lobata fiber exhibit a much lower brightness percentage, high tensile strength and bursting index. Alongside, handsheets by bleached Urena Lobata fiber indicate higher brightness percentage, satisfactory values for tensile strength, bursting index, and tear index. The prepared materials are suitable for a broad spectrum of prospective applications, encompassing newsprint, tissue paper, filtration paper as well as high-quality writing and printing paper.

Characterization of lipophilic extractives in the wood of anthocephalus cadamba and anthocepalus macrophyllus from progeny trial

This study aims to determine the lipophilic component that affects the quality of pulp and paper products in wood of 10-year-old Anthocephalus cadamba (families 23, 11 and 6) and 5-year-old Anthocepalus macrophyllus (families 75, 85 and 2). The results showed that the main group of compounds that appeared frequently and were identified in the lipophilic fraction were fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic and stearic acids), fatty alcohols (eicosanol, heneicosanol and tetracosanol), sterols (β-sitosterol and campasterol), hydrocarbons (hexadecane, tricosene and cyclotetracosane), aldehydes, alongside minor amounts of triterpenoid. F11 and F2 can be promoted as raw materials for pulp and paper, while F6 and F75 are not recommended because of the high levels of lipids such as sterols, triterpenoids, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols.

Utilization of Non-Wood Fibers as Raw Materials for Pulp and Paper Production in Pakistan: A Review

Utilization of Non-Wood Fibers as Raw Materials for Pulp and Paper Production in Pakistan: A Review

Key Technology of 240°C High-Temperature Drilling Fluid

Hot dry rock (HDR) is a renewable green and clean energy source from the depths of the earth. It has the characteristics of high efficiency, environmental protection, safety, and stability, and is not restricted by seasons and climates. Difficulties in exploration and development include deep burial, formation fragmentation, abnormal pressure, high well temperature gradient, and high hole bottom temperature (usually >200°C), key technical issues such as sticking. This paper analyzes the difficulties of high-temperature resistant drilling fluid in dry hot rock: temperature resistance of treatment agents and systems, foaming, leakage, wellbore instability, and other problems. The optimization and experiment of treatment agents such as loss reducers, high-temperature protective agents, etc., and research on drilling fluid technology resistant to high temperature of 240°C in hot dry rock drilling has been carried out, through the optimization experiment of pulping materials and high temperature treatment agent. The main formula is: 3%-4% Sodium bentonite + 2%-3% HPS + 3%-4% SPNH + 2%-4% GJA + 3%-4% JSJ-1 + 0.5%-1.0% GGDP + 1% GBHJ. The drilling fluid formula has good rheology after hot rolling at 240°C, API filtrate loss<5ml, the viscosity recovery rate is over 90%. It provides effective technical support guarantee for promoting the exploration and development of hot dry rock resources in China.

Development of Transpiration-Type Thermoelectric-Power-Generating Material Using Carbon Nanotube Composite Papers with Capillary Action and Heat of Vaporization

A transpiration-type thermoelectric-power-generating paper based on previously developed carbon nanotube (CNT) composite paper, which is a composite material of CNTs and pulp that can generate thermoelectric power, was developed. The newly developed thermoelectric-power-generating material does not require an external high-temperature heat source due to the ability of paper to absorb liquid through capillary action and heat of vaporization generated when the liquid evaporates. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of realizing the transpiration-type thermoelectric-power-generating paper. To begin with, the type of paper used as raw material for the composite paper was examined, and the fabrication process was modified in order to obtain more efficient liquid absorption based on capillary action. Then, the absorbing ability of the liquid was evaluated. Next, the feasibility of thermoelectric power generation using the heat of vaporization was confirmed. Moreover, for more efficient thermoelectric conversion, multisheet structures were also studied. Through several experiments, the material’s feasibility was verified, and it was confirmed that more power can be easily obtained through the use of multiple sheets. Specifically, a single sample spontaneously generated a temperature difference of up to 1.7 °C due to the heat of vaporization, generating an electromotive force of 36 μV. From the sample with a five-sheet structure, an electromotive force of 356 μV was obtained at a temperature difference of 2 °C. This material can be used in watery environments, such as rivers, lakes, and hot springs, and is expected to become a new energy-harvesting device.

Effect of different drying techniques on the quality attributes and antioxidant properties of green banana pulp

The green banana is a major crop in the tropics and subtropics. Raw bananas are packed with many nutrients and phytochemicals, which play a significant role in promoting health. Preserving green banana pulp is challenging because of its high moisture level. Drying is a crucial component in conserving and exploiting residual pulp materials. This study is innovative in investigating various drying techniques for banana pulp and subsequently conducting a comparative analysis of different drying techniques concerning their outcomes. The physiochemical characteristics such as moisture diffusivity, texture, color, and phytochemicals are also thoroughly examined.