The Pulp And Paper Industry Research Articles

Evaluation of Commercially Available Plant-based Food Serving Disposable Crockery for Quality Standards

Biomass-based disposable crockery products are in high demand as an alternative to the plastic-based products considering negative effects of plastic-based products on environment. Biomass-based cutleries are being made from locally available different sources such as leaves, sheaths, straws and other plant fibres. A study was conducted to assess the quality of the biomass-based utensil product and provide the standard technical requirements of selected biomass-based disposable products. The plant-based utensils made from corn starch, sugarcane bagasse, areca, paper and Sal (Shorea robusta) leaves were selected for this study. The available standard methods such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) were adapted, with suitable modifications wherever required, for conducting the experiment. The test included measurement of dimensional specifications, grammage, moisture content, temperature resistance test, load bearing test, high heat performance test, drop test, tensile test and three point bending rig test. The plant-based utensils were classified as very strong, strong and weak based on the strength characteristics test. The utensils made from sugarcane bagasse fall in all three categories (very strong, strong and weak), whereas areca-based lies between very strong and strong while corn starch- based fall between strong and weak category. Overall, the results showed a lot of variation in strength characteristics of biomass-based disposable crockery products. The data of this study can serve as a valuable information for manufacturers and suppliers of plant-based utensils to ensure and improve product quality while maintaining the technical standards.

Variability of the chemical composition of the wood and bark of two tropical hardwoods from Ghana

The study aims to investigate the chemical properties of the wood and bark of two tropical tree species Nesogordonia papaverifera and Holarrhena floribunda from Ghana to increase the efficiency of their utilization. For this purpose, for each of the species five mature trees with similar diameters at breast height were selected. Lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and total extractive content were determined from the sapwood and heartwood and bark of stems and branches of both species. The tests were conducted using the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) standards. The lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and total extractive content vary along different locations in the stems and branches in both species. The sapwood generally had higher cellulose and hemicellulose content, while the heartwood and bark had a greater amount of lignin and extractives. This may affect the lower durability of sapwood. This study shows that heartwood of both Nesogordonia papaverifera and Holarrhena floribunda can be considered a source of value-added compounds.

Proximate Chemical Analysis and Effect of Age and Height of Oxytenanthera abyssinica on Fiber Morphology and Chemical Compositions for Pulp and Paper Production Potential

This study examined the chemical composition, fiber morphology, and physical properties of Oxytenanthera abyssinica culm to assess its pulping potential. Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and Franklin’s methods have been used for experiments. The statistical analysis showed that the chemical composition of O. abyssinica is influenced by the age of the plant. The amount of cellulose in the culm increases with age, while hand extractive content decreases with age. The average chemical content of the three years aged O. abyssinica was 49.26 ± 0.13 wt%, 21.31 ± 0.15 wt%, and 20.63 ± 0.12 wt% for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents, respectively. A significant difference exists between 1, 2, and 3-year aged plants ( P < 0.05 ) in cellulose, lignin, ash, and extractive content. The position of the culm also affects the fiber morphology of O. abyssinica. The fiber’s length, diameter, cell wall thickness, and lumen diameter increase from top to bottom, whereas the flexibility and slenderness ratio decrease. The average fiber morphology of O. abyssinica was flexibility ratio ( 0.72 ± 0.10 ), Runkel ratio ( 0.35 ± 0.10 ), slenderness ratio ( 109.98 ± 0.21 ), lumen diameter ( 15.63 ± 0.03 μm), cell wall thickness ( 2.74 ± 0.03 μm), fiber length ( 2.40 ± 0.10 mm), and fiber diameter ( 21.83 ± 0.09 μm). The above data showed that the mean value of the fiber length of the plant is greater than 1.5 mm, the Runkel ratio was less than 1, and the slenderness ratio was greater than 70 standard values. The result also showed that the average bulk density and the moisture content were 660 kg/m3 and 9.6%, respectively. Although O. abyssinica is widely grown in the study area, no comprehensive studies have been carried out on fiber morphology, chemical composition, and physical properties based on age and height. Thus, this research was carried out to study the plant’s fiber characteristics to assess its suitability for pulp and paper production. Based on the above data, the 3-year aged bottom part of O. abyssinica is recommended for more yield pulp and high-quality paper production than the first and second-year aged plant.

Changes in Chemical Composition of Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) after Alkali Immersion Treatment under Various Immersion Times

This research aimed to analyze the change in chemical composition of the betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) strands after alkali immersion treatment under various immersion times. The bamboo culms were converted into strands with the target length, width, and thickness of 70, 25, and 0.5 mm, respectively. Strands were alkali immersion-treated with 1% NaOH solution for 1, 2, and 3 h. Preparation of powder for chemical component analysis refers to the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) standard T 264 cm-07 regarding the preparation of wood test samples for chemical analysis. Structural and non-structural bamboo strand chemical components such as holocellulose, alpha-cellulose, hemicellulose, klason lignin, and extractives were analyzed. The results showed that alkali immersion treatment decreased the hemicellulose content from 21.55% before treatment to 20.30% after 3 h immersion. Thus, it changed the holocellulose and alpha-cellulose composition. Alkali immersion treatment also changed the extractive substances dissolved in cold water, hot water, 1% NaOH, and ethanol-benzene solution. The decrease in hemicellulose, molecular weight lignin, and extractive substances would be beneficial for bamboo-oriented strand board manufacture to improve strand adhesion, dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and durability against biological agents attack. Keywords: alkali immersion times, alkali immersion treatment, bamboo, chemical components, pre-treatment

Synthesis and characterization of air filter media made from cellulosic ramie fiber (Boehmeria nivea)

At present, air filter materials are predominately made of synthetic polymers that are derived from petroleum. The production of these synthetic polymers negatively impacts the environment as well as entailing complex equipment and high production costs. Thus, air filter media made from natural fiber would have a significant benefit. The research done in this study supports the use of an alternative air filter media that is easily and cheaply made from the ramie plant (Boehmeria nivea), which grows the world over. This paper explains the method used to produce fiber from the ramie plant that can be used as an air filter media, based on the T205 standards of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). The research shows that ramie fiber can be successfully used as an air filter media as it meets all of the performance standard test requirements of air filter media; it has a tensile strength of 0.36±0.03 kN/m and can withstand degrading up to the temperatures of 280 °C. Ramie fiber also has an air filter media performance of PM2.5, and a 46% efficiency rating at a pressure drop of 167 Pa.

Effect of incorporating different types of Sentang tree waste particle on the thermal stability of Wood Polymer Composite (WPC)

This article presents the potential use of tree waste materials such as the leaves (L), branches (B) and trunks (T) of Azadirachta excelsa (Sentang) tree in the production of wood polymer composite (WPC). The WPC was fabricated from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as bonding matrix, maleic anhydride (MA) as coupling agent, and Sentang tree waste particles (L, B and T) as filler, prepared using twin-screw extruder followed by injection moulding machine. The effects of incorporating these types of Sentang tree waste particle (at 35% and 45% particles loading by weight) on the thermal stability of WPC were reported. The chemical compositions of L, B and T were also determined and their influences on the thermal stability of WPC were discussed. The thermal behaviour was determined by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), whereas the chemical analysis using Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) methods. The addition of these tree waste particles as filler has increased the thermal stability of WPC compared to virgin HDPE (without any particle incorporation). The highest mass loss was experienced by virgin HDPE. It was also observed that chemical compositions of the particles played vital role in influencing the thermal stability of WPC.

Potential of Goniothalamus velutinus wood for agri-food industry

Goniothalamus velutinus is from the family of annonaceae and it is native to Borneo. It is also known as “kayu tas” or “kayu hujan panas”. This type of wood is rarely encountered and also hard to find in the forest. It grows in the shady primary rainforest of tropical Asia, and approximately 160 species of this genus have been discovered. This plant is also known to have anti-cancer, anti-tumour and many other bioactivities. In this study, the Goniothalamus velutinus wood’s potentials were explored for the agri-food industry. The objectives of this study are to determine chemical composition of Goniothalamus velutinus and the functional group of two samples which are male tas (MT) and female tas (FT). The chemical compositions were determined by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) method, and the functional group analysis were determined by Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results shows that male tas (MT) showed a higher chemical composition compared to the female tas (FT) such as for extractive; 4.73% and 2.21%, Holocellulose; 92.19% and 88.96%, Cellulose; 57.02% and 55.88%, Hemicellulose; 35.16% and 33.08%, Lignin; 27.48% and 34.46%, respectively. These chemical compositions have good potential for the food sector. For FT-IR analysis, the results revealed five different functional groups related to which chemical composition in the sample, especially cellulose.

Evaluation of Lignins of Trunk and Roots from Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck: A Large Available Brazilian Biomass

Citrus biomass is a source of biobased products and presents extensive chemical diversity. Among the structural macromolecules, lignins have been used in resins, bioplastics, and nanoencapsulation. Brazil has a large source of lignins, which are orange trees removed from groves that need to be renewed. However, the knowledge about these lignins is limited and little explored. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the lignins from Citrus sinensis and to provide information on the interesting use of orange trees as a source of macromolecules. The lignins were isolated from the trunk, central and secondary roots from the orange tree by Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)-methods. The lignin contents for the extractive-free samples were 19.8 ± 0.19, 21.9 ± 0.36, and 19.5 ± 0.41% (m/m) in the trunk, central and secondary roots, respectively. Infrared (IR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses confirmed typical bands and chemical shifts to syringyl and guaiacyl units. These results are consistent with the features of lignins previously reported for orange tree branches and hardwood roots. The greatest amount of lignin in the orange tree was found in the central root. The lignins extractive-free by TAPPI-T264 cm-97 presented low solubility in organic solvents, due to their compaction and folding, which was confirmed by 13C NMR in the solid-state, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Virgin Kraft Pulp and Paper Characteristics of Vitex Pubescens Vahl. (Halban) Wood

Insufficient wood-based materials due to environmental sustainability have further enhanced the search for alternatives in the paper industry. Thus, wood sample from Vitex Pubescens Vahl (Halban) was evaluated based on the pulp characteristics; and paper physical, mechanical and optical properties as alternative raw material for papermaking. The wood chips were chemically Kraft cooked. Laboratory hand sheet with 120 gsm of grammage was produced without beating and bleached treatment. Overall procedures and tests were conducted according to the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and the Malaysian International Organization for Standardization (MS-ISO). The result shows that Halban virgin Kraft pulp recorded a value of screened yield percentage (38.6%), Kappa number (22.1), drainage time (6.44s), and Canadian Standard Freeness (555ml). Halban paper sheet has apparent density of 0.302g/cm3. In an optical analysis, brightness (19.81%) and opacity (99.5%) had been measured. Mechanical characteristic possess considerable tensile index (29.33Nm/g), tear index (6.028 mN.m2/g), burst index (1.04 kPa.m2/g), but low folding no (3). In conclusion, Halban wood could be considered as alternative wood-based material for papermaking based on its promising characteristics’ and also compatible with other wood-based material proposed by the previous study. However, more in-depth evaluation should be considered to improve the qualities of the pulp and paper made from Halban wood.

Investigation of eucalypt and pine wood acid-soluble lignin by Py-GC-MS

AbstractThe Klason method is adequate for quantifying lignin in softwood (SWD) but is less so for hardwood (HWD). The latter contains a fraction of acid-soluble lignin (ASL) that is not measurable under the conditions prevailing in the Klason method and that must be quantified by other means. This study aimed at investigating the composition of ASL obtained from eucalypt and pine woods by using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). About 2.7% and 0.9% ASL by dry wood weight were measured in the acid filtrate of eucalypt and pine, respectively, by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) UM 250 method. The acid filtrate was lyophilized and processed by Py-GC-MS, allowing identification of 26 primary pyrolysis products, with 2% and 52% relative molar abundance coming from lignin and carbohydrates, respectively, for eucalypt and 24 primary pyrolysis products, with 1% and 54% relative molar abundance from lignin and carbohydrates, respectively, for pine. The main products derived from lignin were phenol, 4-methylphenol, guaiacol, 4-methylcatechol, syringol, acetosyringone and vanillin. It was concluded that measurements of ASL remain a requirement for accurate eucalypt and pine wood lignin quantification because lignin derivatives remain in the acid filtrate from the Klason lignin quantification method. Corrections for carbohydrate-derived compounds are not necessary, despite their predominance in the filtrate, because these derivatives do not interfere with ultraviolet (UV) absorption.

EFFECTS OF BEATING ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MALAYSIAN DURIAN (DURIO ZIBETHINUS MURR.) RIND CHEMI-MECHANICAL (CMP) PULP AND PAPER

The effects of beating on the characteristics of pulp and paper derived from durian rind under chemi-mechanical pulping (CMP) method were investigated. All process and characteristic tests were conducted according to Malaysian International Organization for Standardization (MS ISO) and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). The unbeaten durian rind CMP pulp (control pulp) was beaten by using PFI mill at three (3) different beating levels; 1000, 2000 and 3000 revolutions. It was found that durian rind CMP pulp drainage time was increased (longer time) and freeness level was decreased as the beating revolutions were increased compared to the control pulp. The result shows that paper bulk density and overall mechanical characteristics (tensile index, tear index, burst index and folding no.) of 60 gsm durian rind CMP hand sheets were increased with the increment of beating revolutions.

Soda-Anthraquinone Durian (Durio Zibethinus Murr.) Rind Linerboard and Corrugated Medium Paper: A Preliminary Test

A preliminary test was conducted to investigate the characteristics of linerboard and corrugated medium paper made from durian rind waste. Naturally dried durian rinds were pulped according to Soda-Anthraquinone (Soda-AQ) pulping process with a condition of 20% active alkali, 0.1% AQ, 7:1 liquor to material ratio, 120 minutes cooking time and 170°C cooking temperature. The linerboard and corrugated medium paper with a basis weight of 120 gsm were prepared and evaluated according to Malaysian International Organization for Standardization (MS ISO) and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). The results indicate that the characteristics of durian rind linerboard are comparable with other wood or non-wood based paper and current commercial paper. However, low CMT value for corrugated medium and water absorptiveness quality for linerboard could be improved in future. Based on the bulk density (0.672 g/cm3), burst index (3.12 kPa.m2/g) and RCT (2.00 N.m2/g), the durian rind has shown a good potential and suitable as an alternative raw material source for linerboard industry.

EFFECTS OF TOTAL CHLORINE FREE (TCF) BLEACHING ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHEMI MECHANICAL (CMP) PULP AND PAPER FROM MALAYSIAN DURIAN (DURIO ZIBETHINUS MURR.) RIND

The effects of bleaching process on the characteristics of pulp and paper produced from durian rind under chemi‑mechanical pulping (CMP) method were investigated. All process and characteristic tests were conducted according to Malaysian International Organisation for Standardization (MS ISO) and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). Three (3) stages of peroxide (P‑P‑P) bleaching sequence through the Total Chlorine Free (TCF) bleaching process were applied to the unbeaten and unbleached durian rind CMP pulp. Bleached CMP durian rind pulp drainage time (32s) decreased (faster) and CSF freeness level (172.50ml) increased as compared to a control pulp. It was obtained that overall optical (brightness (66.36 %)) and mechanical characteristics (tensile index (38.33 Nm/g), tearing index (7.56 mN.m2/g), bursting index (2.42 kPa.m2/g), and number of folds (43)) of durian rind CMP 60 gsm paper sheet improved as the TCF bleaching process was applied to the unbleached CMP durian rind pulp.

Characteristics of Linerboard and Corrugated Medium Paper Made from Durian Rinds Chemi-mechanical Pulp

In recent years, there has been tremendous growth of interest in the utilization of non-wood based material to support the insufficient raw materials availability for the pulp and paper industry. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of 120 gsm linerboard and corrugated medium paper made from unbeaten durian rinds chemi-mechanical (CMP) pulp. The linerboard and corrugated medium paper were prepared and tested according to Malaysian Standards / International Organization for Standardization (MS ISO) and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) standard methods. Based on the burst index (2.03 kPa.m 2 /g), RCT (1.97 N.m 2 /g) and CMT (129N), the linerboard and corrugated medium from CMP durian rind pulp have shown a good potential as an alternative raw material for papermaking and comparable with other types of wood and non-wood based papers as well as current commercial papers.

Preparation and characterization of candelilla fiber (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) and its reinforcing effect in polypropylene composites

Candelilla bagasse fiber (CBF) was prepared by a mesh sieve and ball-milling process and its reinforcing effect in a polymer matrix analyzed. Composites of polypropylene (PP) and CBF were prepared by melt blending with varying amounts (20, 25, and 30 wt%) of fiber using maleic anhydride PP as coupling agent. The chemical composition of CBF was analyzed according to Technological Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) methods, and the morphology and thermal and chemical properties of CBF and its composites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile testing. In general, fibers extracted from candelilla by a reduction process are comparable in terms of micro- and nanostructure to other lignocellulosic fibers. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results reveal that sieve-milling reduces the fiber size. The results also show that the thermal stability of PP was enhanced when using CBF, but the crystallinity index of the PP composites decreased slightly according to DSC and XRD results. Furthermore, the Young’s modulus was increased in PP/CBF samples with and without MAPP to obtain improved wettability and fiber–polymer adhesion. We found that CBF is an excellent alternative to replace conventional materials or synthetic fibers, as well as for reinforcement in polymer composites.

Cogon Grass as an Alternative Fibre for Pulp and Paper-Based Industry: On Chemical and Surface Morphological Properties

The increasing demand in wood fibre consumptions especially in pulp and paper making has pushed forward the search for alternative fibre resources. Non-wood derived fibre could be good candidates due to its abundance availability. Agriculture residues or non-wood annual plants are good potential fibre resource for pulp and paper making. The objective of this study is to determine the suitability of cogon grass as an alternative fibre for pulp and paper making by analysing its chemical and surface morphological properties. The holocellulose, cellulose, lignin, 1% NaOH solubility, hot water solubility and ash contents were quantified to analyse its chemical characteristics. Quantification of chemical compositions was conducted in accordance with relevant Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) Tests, Kurscher-Hoffner and Chlorite methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize the surface morphology of the cogon grass fibre. Results obtained indicate that the holocellulose (64.93%) content is comparable with other published non-woods and the lignin (5.67%) content is favourably the lowest. In addition, the hot water and 1% NaOH solubilities are (3.83%) and (19.64%) respectively. SEM images show that cogon grass fibres contained abundance and long fibres which provide good strength of the produced handsheet. Based on the chemical and surface morphological properties analyses, cogon grass is a good alternative fibre resource especially for pulp and paper making industries.

Corrugated board bonding defect visualization and characterization

Adhesive bonding of fluted medium to linerboard is a fundamental process in manufacturing of wood-fiber based corrugated combined board for packaging. The quality of bonds requires frequent testing since production speed and container box stacking capacity are affected. Several different testing techniques are investigated in this paper that complement the standard tests commonly used: bond tensile strength “pin adhesion” (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) method T 821), visual qualitative inspection of adhesive distribution by iodine stained separated components (TAPPI method T 610), and examination of manually peeled separated boards. A specially prepared corrugated board sample set was made on a pilot corrugating machine producing a range of bonding defects associated with common inadvertent improper corrugating operating conditions. A thermoelastic stress analysis using infrared image processing applied to the produced samples demonstrates a patterned localization of strains that is associated with adhesive distribution and bond strength. Analysis of load-displacement data of the pin adhesion test indicates significant measurable changes in the elastic properties of the corrugated board structure corresponding to bond quality. The experimental results supported by Finite Element Analysis indicate that increased bond strength arises from an increased localized modulus attributable to a combination of adhesive penetration into the substrate and formation of covalent bonds. Infra-red imaging of back-lighted board samples provides a complementary convenient means to assess the glue distribution.

Extraction of Continuous Fiber from Mengkuang Leaves: The Influence of Process Parameters during Alkaline Treatment

Currently, natural cellulose fiber composite is a promising prospect in the composite world. However, achieving uniform strength in natural fiber composite is a challenge due to limited fiber length and its random orientation in the composite. Thus, the focus of this paper was to obtain a continuous cellulose fiber from mengkuang leaves using chemical extraction process. The chemical extraction involved alkaline treatment of the mengkuang leave followed by bleaching. This paper focused on extraction using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and its process parameters. The process parameters of the extraction were varied in terms of concentration of NaOH solution and also the soaking time. The texture and structure of the chemically purified continuous cellulose fiber were observed by visual inspection. Detailed microstructural analysis was carried out using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) while chemical composition analysis in term of cellulose percentage was conducted using Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI); TAPPI T203. Preliminary results showed that increment in cellulose percentage when the concentration of NaOH and soaking time were increased.

Paper deacidification and UV protection using ZnO atomic layer deposition

Acid degradation of cellulosic paper in archival books, periodicals, and historic documents is a serious and widespread problem. Using acidic page samples from ∼40 year old books, we demonstrate that atomic layer deposition (ALD) ZnO can adjust and controllably neutralize the paper acid content. The paper samples were collected and analyzed in accordance with recognized Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) test standards. The average pH of the starting paper was 3.7 ± 0.4 and 4.4 ± 0.1 as determined using the TAPPI surface probe and cold water extraction methods, respectively. After 50 ALD ZnO cycles, the same tests on the coated paper produced an average pH of 7.39 ± 0.08 and 7.3 ± 0.4, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the cellulose structure remained intact during ALD. Additional tests of recently printed newspaper samples coated with ALD ZnO also show that ALD can effectively prevent paper discoloration and embrittlement caused by UV sunlight photoexposure. While there are many known methods for paper preservation, including others using diethyl zinc, the control afforded by ALD provides attractive advantages over other known approaches for preservation of archival paper and other natural fibrous materials.