Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Different Non-Woody Plant Fibers Used for Pulp and Paper Manufacturing

Abstract

The chemical composition of several non-woody plant fibers (bast fibers from flax, hemp, kenaf, jute; leaf fibers from sisal, abaca and curaua; and giant reed), which are used as raw materials for pulp and papermaking, has been evaluated. Particular attention was paid to the composition of the lipophilic compounds and the structure of the lignin polymer since they are important components of the fiber that strongly influence the pulping and bleaching performances.