Production of Cellulosic Pulp from Reed (Phragmites australis) to Produce Paper and Paperboard

Abstract

Due to the global increase in the demand for paper and cardboard, and depletion in some areas of wood resources (main raw material in the paper industry), it has been necessary to investigate new raw materials to substitute the conventional ones. In this work, Phragmites australis, commonly known as reed, has been studied. It has been characterized the chemical composition of the raw material by determining the ash content, α-cellulose, holocellulose, lignin and their extractables in ethanol, 1% soda and hot water. Subsequently three pulping processes have been conducted, using the “soda method" under three different operating conditions. The cellulosic pulps and the papersheets made from the pulps were analysed in order to determine the chemical and physical properties following the relevant TAPPI, UNE and ISO standards. Comparing the results obtained, it can be possible to conclude that the pulp obtained under the following operating conditions: 175°, 90 minutes and 14% of NaOH, presents the best results.