Paper Properties of Typha Latifolia, Pennisetum Alopecuroides, and Agave Americana Fibers and Their Effect as a Substitute for Kraft Pulp Fibers
In this study, we have extracted and bleached fibers from three plants (Typha latifolia, Agave americana, and Pennisetum alopecuroides). The obtained pulp contains more than 50% of fines and fibers with lengths not exceeding 1 mm. Generally, the amount of fines depends on fiber source, fiber morphol...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2017-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Natural Fibers |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2016.1212766 |
| Summary: | In this study, we have extracted and bleached fibers from three plants (Typha latifolia, Agave americana, and Pennisetum alopecuroides). The obtained pulp contains more than 50% of fines and fibers with lengths not exceeding 1 mm. Generally, the amount of fines depends on fiber source, fiber morphology, pulping conditions, and the extent of mechanical treatment. Handsheets were produced with plant fibers alone or mixed (in different percentages: 7.5%, 15%, 22.5%, and 30%) with a commercial kraft pulp. The mechanical and optical properties of the sheets (breaking length, tear index, young modulus, whiteness, and opacity) show that plants could be used as a substitute fiber supply for the paper industry. However, fines were hardly retained in the sheets. A model to explain the removal of fines is proposed. |
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| ISSN: | 1544-0478 1544-046X |