Title
Optimization of soda pulping process of corn stalks by response surface modelling
Authors
ANA-MARIA CHESCA RALUCA NICU BOGDAN MARIAN TOFĂNICĂ ADRIAN CATALIN PUITEL and DAN GAVRILESCU

Received February, 26, 2018
Published Volume 52 Issue 9-10 October-December
Keywords corn stalks, fiber sources, packaging, paperboard, paper strength

Abstract
Corn (Zea mays L.) cultivation generates important quantities of agricultural residues. The chemical composition of corn stalks indicates that these may be used as a raw material for pulping. The goals of the present research include determining the influence of soda process parameters (alkali charge, temperature and pulping time) on corn stalk pulp properties and the optimal conditions for achieving the best results. Therefore, the response surface methodology has been employed for studying the effects of the selected main independent variables (alkali charge, temperature and pulping time) on process yield, pulp Kappa number and intrinsic viscosity, as well as the mechanical strength properties of the corresponding laboratory paper sheets: tensile index, burst index, corrugating medium flat crush resistance and short span compression resistance. The paper strength properties are of much importance in the field of bio-based packaging production. Establishing the proper model equations indicated the influence of each variable on pulp characteristics and paper properties. These equations may provide the basis for selecting the optimal conditions for pulping, depending on the targeted results.