ISSN : 2663-2187

DEVELOPMENT OF ALGAL AND RICE STRAW PULP FOR HANDCRAFTED PAPER PRODUCTION

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Nithya M , Sedhupathi S , Madhumitha A , Velan S, Afrin A , Sumaya Fathima S , VivekP.D, Sanjai P
ยป doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.13.2024.5311-5320

Abstract

This study assesses the viability of using rice straw and algae pulp in handmade paper production, highlighting their benefits and sustainability as alternative materials. The aim is to analyze the advantages and challenges of integrating these unconventional resources into papermaking processes, considering economic, environmental, and resource factors. By examining bleachingtechniques, paper properties, and raw material compositions, valuable insights are gained.The research indicates that non-chlorine bleaching methods yield higher brightness levels compared to traditional chlorine-based methods, with algae pulp achieving 85% brightness and rice straw pulp reaching 82%. Thissuggests a more environmentally friendly approach to bleaching. Analysis of paperproperties reveals that algal pulp consists of 35.2% cellulose, 12.4% hemicellulose, and 3.8% lignin, while rice straw contains 40.6%cellulose, 18.9% hemicellulose, and 5.2% lignin. Despite differences in lignin content, both materials demonstrate potential for industrial use, with algae pulp offering scalability and minimal resource requirements, and rice straw aiding in waste diversion and pollution mitigation.Algae paper exhibits a biodegradation rate of 85%, while rice straw paper degrades at a rate of 78%, highlightingtheir eco-friendly characteristics. These findings underscore the importance of utilizing renewable biomass sources for sustainable paper production, while also acknowledging the necessity for further research and investment to enhance processing methods and scale up production.

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