Pulp and papermaking potential of Palmyra fruit fibre Borassus flabelifar

Abstract

The pulp and papermaking potential of Palmyra palm fruit fibre was investigated in both acidic and alkaline media and was found to be an alternative raw material for cellulosic pulp for paper making. The chemical compositions of the fibre strands from the Palmyra palm fruit such as cellulose, moisture content, lignin and extractive were also investigated in accordance to standards. The pulp yields obtained from the raw material were below 40% in both media studied. The physical properties of the paper produced (both in acidic and alkaline media) such as bulk yield (Kg/m3), caliper thickness (mm), pulp yield (Kg/m3), fibre width (mm), fibre length (mm), water absorption, colour and the mechanical properties such as tensile, tear strength and folding endurance were also investigated.