Effect of bleaching using sodium hydroxide on pulp derived from Sesbania grandiflora

World demand for paper is increasing. Short rotation pulpwood is needed. Sesbania grandiflora also known as Turi, is a fast growing and straight log species. The scholarly information of Turi as pulpwood are still limited. This paper aims to provide information of sodium hydroxide effect on the paper made from pulp derived from Turi. Sodium hydroxide is a common chemical using as part of full stage chemical bleaching in pulp industrial. Kraft pulp that produced using Turi, was bleached with sodium hydroxide at 3%, 6% and 9% based on pulp weight, respectively. Unbleached pulp was served as blank test. The optical and mechanical properties of handsheet paper made from bleached kraft pulp were evaluated according to TAPPI standard. The brightness and opacity of handsheet made from bleached pulp were improved with increasing the concentration of sodium hydroxide. The mechanical properties of handsheet were improved with using 3% sodium hydroxide and gradually decreased after 3% sodium hydroxide. In conclusion, sodium hydroxide is potential to improve optical properties of Turi pulp and improve the mechanical properties of paper made from Turi pulp at certain level. Excessive usage of sodium hydroxide brings adverse effect to mechanical properties of paper made from Turi pulp

Developing seedling capsule using secondary fibre for angiosperm seedling propagation

Paper materials were reusable as secondary fibre source which was recycled as alternative material to cope with various demands and consumption. An innovation to a brand new usage of secondary fibre as seedling capsule was discovered to be synthesized by the principle of simple formation which required minimum mechanical energy input. The design of stock drainer had brought balance in both stock volume and water flow rate, whereby stock consistency had became key regulator. Physical properties of fiber material from drawing block had been revealed as compatible material to fit criteria such as high water retention and high water penetration, as indicated by high Cobb value while exhibited high freeness. All paper types selected had proven to be suitable seed bed in form seedling capsule units for sowing of orthodox seeds from Leucaena leucocephala, while pre-sowing treatments had eliminate the barrier to natural germination. Pre-treatment of Leucaena leucocephala seeds were to break dormancy and to indicate the feasibility of moisture transferal for seed germination, which was facilitated by seedling capsule unit. The decomposition of capsule had completed within 57 days in soil. Further enhancement in reduced capsule size had to be revised for portability in large quantity and able to ease the work of field propagation