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Title
Effects of multiple chemical impregnation on APP of EFB
Authors
Yunita Megasari Dermawan Arniza Ghazali W. D. Wan Rosli and Mohd Azli Khairil
Received
June 21, 2010
Published
Volume 45 Issue 5-6 May-June
Keywords
alkaline peroxide, pulping, APP, APMP, EFB, impregnation, paper properties
Abstract
A simple pulping method, defined as alkaline peroxide pulping (APP), which integrates both pulping and brightening actions into a single process, was attempted on abundant industrial waste – the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB). Originating from alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP), the major processes making up an APP system involve impregnation of alkaline peroxide (AP) into the biomass prior to refining, to finally yield APP pulp. By applying alkaline peroxide at a 2:2.5% (wt/wt) alkali-to-peroxide ratio, one- stage impregnation gave an EFB pulp brightness of 55% ISO. The subsequent impregnation stages offered 68 and 70% ISO for two- and three-stage impregnation, respectively. In fact, the said optical property and other mechanical properties of the sheets prepared via two-stage and three-stage 2:2.5% (wt/wt) alkali-to- peroxide impregnations also showed better results, as compared to those of the one-stage treatment with 4:4.5% (wt/wt) alkaline peroxide. The results of the two-stage impregnation of AP, prepared at a high concentration of 4:5% (wt/wt) alkali-to-peroxide ratio, also showed improvement in the sheets’ mechanical properties, as compared to those of the one-stage process. This demonstrates the advantage of maximizing the AP chemical power by mechanical forces that could enhance its accessibility to EFB structures, rather than increasing the AP dose for attaining the same effect. Maximisation of AP is particularly important for reaching the expected sheet properties, while ensuring the eco-friendliness of an APP system.
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