The Characteristics of Pulp and Paper Made from Top Section of Betong (Dendrocalamus Asper) Bamboo by Soda Pulping Method

Abstract

This research was conducted to assess the potential of Malaysian Betong (Dendrocalamus Asper) bamboo as an alternative non-wood based material for papermaking. Top section of Betong bamboo was selected as the raw material for this study. Bamboo pulp was produced according to Soda pulping method with 25% alkali concentration (NaOH), 7:1 liquor to fibre ratio, 170 C cooking temperature and 3 hours cooking time. Malaysian International Organization for Standardization (MS ISO) and the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) were referred as a standard for all process and characteristics test. Pulp characteristics have been observed as pulp moisture content (18.45%), screen yield percentage (20.88%), pulp drainage time (5.88s), and Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) (691.5ml). For physical characteristic, thickness (578.9μm), grammage (130 gsm), and paper density (0.225 g/cm³) were observed. Mechanical characteristics also investigated by tensile index (1.581 Nm/g), tear index (1.817 mN.m²/g), burst index (1.730 kPa.m²/g), and folding endurance (1.758). The top section of Malaysian Betong bamboo virgin soda pulp and paper had shown a promising quality as papermaking material. However, more future in-depth investigation is needed to improve the quality of the pulp and paper. This study had shown the potential quality of Malaysian Betong bamboo as an alternative non wood-based material for papermaking.