Potential of Giant Reed Fiber (Arundo donax L.) in Thailand for the Kraft Paper Industries

Main Article Content

Thitima Laohasinnarong
Sawitree Pisutpiched
Buapan Puangsin
Theerat Ardsamang

Abstract

We studied the potential of giant reed fiber (Arundo donax L.) in the kraft paper industries, with the primary focus on the basic properties of the raw material. An analysis of the chemical composition and fiber morphology was conducted. The pulp of giant reed kraft was prepared in 20 to 25% active alkali, having 30% sulfidity, at a maximum temperature of 170oC for 60 minutes. Subsequently, the pulp yield and kappa number were measured for evaluating the optimum potential as an alternative to the industrial kraft pulp. The results indicated that its chemical composition contained 74.88% holocellulose, 41.26% cellulose, 22.42% lignin, 24.59% pentosan, 10.22% extractive, and 4.46% ash. The fiber morphology had a slender fiber shape with a length and width of 1.45 mm and 24.01 micron, respectively. The measured pulp yield, residue, and kappa number were 51.54%, 1.30% and 25.2, respectively. It was observed that the giant reed kraft pulp had a higher potential than some non-wood and wood kraft pulps e.g., bagasse, eucalyptus, and softwood. The various pulps were beaten to 350+20 ml (Canadian Standard Freeness: CSF) freeness and the pulp handsheets were prepared for strength testing. It was observed that tensile index, tear index, burst index, and folding endurance of the giant reed pulp were higher than bagasse and eucalyptus but lower than softwood. We conclude that the giant reed can be considered as a viable raw material option in the kraft paper industry.

Article Details

How to Cite
Laohasinnarong, T., Pisutpiched, S. ., Puangsin, B. ., & Ardsamang, T. . (2023). Potential of Giant Reed Fiber (Arundo donax L.) in Thailand for the Kraft Paper Industries. Thai Journal of Forestry, 42(2), 39–49. Retrieved from https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjf/article/view/259074
Section
Original Articles
Author Biography

Thitima Laohasinnarong, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University

National Park Office, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

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