Suitability of Sudanese pearl millet stalks Pennisetum glaucum (L.) for alkaline pulping with additives

Abstract

Pennisetum glaucum pearl millet as whole stalks and core were examined for suitability in the production of pulp and paper. Fiber dimensions, morphological, and chemical characteristics are reported. The pulping trials with soda-AQ, ASAM, and soda as reference were carried out. ASAM pulping gave good results in yield, degree of delignification, and mechanical properties. The best screened yield, lowest kappa number, highest brightness, and viscosity were obtained by ASAM cooking. Soda-AQ gave pulps with good screened yield, kappa number, and viscosity compared with soda cooking. The separation of bark and core is not recommended.

Keywords

• pennisetum glaucum stalks
• fiber dimensions
• chemical composition
• alkaline pulping