Fibre dimension and chemical characterisation of naturally grown Bambusa vulgaris for pulp and paper production

Abstract

Investigations were made on the fibre and chemical characteristics of Bambusa vulgaris Shrad. ex. Wendl in order to provide basic information on its potential use as a sustainable and alternative raw material for pulp and paper making. Nine culms of three different ages (2, 3 and 4 years) harvested were used for the study. Samples were collected from the base, middle and top portion along the culm length in accordance with standard procedures to investigate the chemical properties, fibre dimensions and derived morphological indices. Generally, age do not influence the fibre properties except the fibre length that varies along the culm length. The derived morphological indices vary similarly among different age of the culm. There were variations in the chemical properties among ages except the holocellulose which do not vary with age but varied along the culm length. Based on the studied fibre and chemical properties, B. vulgaris is suitable as raw material for pulp and papermaking since the fibre characteristics do not vary significantly with age and position along the culm. The result, however, did not indicate the suitability for pulp and paper based on its high density, high lignin and extractive content as it may pose problem in pulping. Nevertheless, B. vulgaris will produce good and strong papers due to its RR that is below 1 and SR which is more than 33 couple with its high fibre flexibility ratio, holocellulose and cellulose contents.