Optimization of the fiber and physical properties of Sterculia Setigera as an alternative source of raw material for Pulp and paper making

¹Anyanwu, B.U, ²Olokode, O.S, ³Aiyedun, P.O, ⁴Owoeye F.T, ⁵Oyeleke Y.T.

^{1 - 5} Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Mechanical Engineering Department.

Corresponding author Email: engrbenard@yahoo.com

Accepted 24 August 2012

Abstract

The fiber and physical properties of pulps and papers made from Sterculia setigera, a tropical hardwood specie and also an agricultural residue were investigated. The tree was sourced locally and then debarked. Thereafter, the debarked trunk was chopped into chips of average lengths ranging from 0.3cm to 0.6cm. These chips were gathered and then measured into weights in grammes of 100’s. Variable percentage (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%) concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used to pulp different specimens of chips of fixed weights (100g), at a constant time of two (2) hours. The resultant pulps were bleached with 100ml of hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂ and 5 spoons full of titanium oxide, TiO₄ to improved its brightness. Fiber characteristics and other physical properties of the pulps were obtained and hand-made writing papers were made from these pulps. Finally, different tests in accordance with the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), U.S.A were carried on the resultant papers and their results compared to those obtained in commercial writing papers. The results compares favorably with those stipulated by TAPPI (1990) and with properties of machine produced commercial writing papers available in Nigeria.

Keywords: Sterculia setigera, Pulp, Paper making, Handmade, Fiber, Ash.