Title
Utilization of fly ash from biomass energy plant waste as filler in fluting paper production
Authors
MUSTAFA ÇİÇEKLER, AHU HÜMEYRA AKKAYA and TAMER SÖZBİR

Received October 14, 2024
Published Volume 59 Issue 5-6 May-June
Keywords fly ash, fluting paper, filler, sustainability

Abstract
This study explores the utilization of fly ash, a by-product from biomass energy plants, as a filler in the production of fluting paper. The integration of fly ash into fluting paper aims to enhance sustainability by reducing dependence on traditional fillers like calcium carbonate and kaolin. Fluting paper samples were produced with varying fly ash contents, and their physical, mechanical, and optical properties were thoroughly analyzed. The findings reveal that while fly ash contributes to improvements in bulk and optical properties, such as whiteness and brightness, it results in a reduction in mechanical strength, notably in tensile and burst strength. Despite these reductions, fly ash offers significant economic and environmental advantages by lowering production costs and diverting waste from landfills. Additionally, SEM imaging confirmed the uniform distribution of fly ash within the paper matrix, ensuring compatibility with existing production processes. This study demonstrates the potential of fly ash as a sustainable and cost-effective filler in fluting paper production, presenting opportunities for both resource optimization and environmental impact reduction in the paper industry.