Pulp and Paper Potentials of Plantain Pseudostem

Abstract

The fiber characteristics, chemical properties and pulping potentials of plantain pseudostem (Musa paradisiaca) were examined to assess its suitability as a raw material for the pulp and paper industry. The pseudostem was delignified under the soda pulping processes at liquor to solid ratio of 10:1. The pulp yields and residual lignin contents were determined under varied operational conditions. The specific gravity was within the low density classification. The fibers were on the average 4.2mm long, 31.5mm wide and 6.1mm thick. The pseudostem was characterized by 3.4% ash, 7.4% lignin, 48% cellulose and high extractive contents. Prolonged cooking at a low temperature resulted only in a small increase in the total pulp yield over that obtained at a high temperature for the same degree of pulping. The selectivity of lignin dissolution was independent of the working conditions.