Optimization of pulp production from groundnut shells using chemical pulping at low temperatures

P. Musekiwa; L.B. Moyo; T.A. Mamvura; G. Danha; G.S. Simate; N. Hlabangana

Heliyon (Jun 2020)

Optimization of pulp production from groundnut shells using chemical pulping at low temperatures

P. Musekiwa,
L.B. Moyo,
T.A. Mamvura,
G. Danha,
G.S. Simate,
N. Hlabangana

Affiliations

P. Musekiwa: Department of Chemical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box AC 939 Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
L.B. Moyo: Department of Chemical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box AC 939 Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
T.A. Mamvura: Department of Chemical, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana; Corresponding author.
G. Danha: Department of Chemical, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana
G.S. Simate: School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
N. Hlabangana: Department of Chemical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box AC 939 Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 6, no. 6
p. e04184

Abstract

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Paper production through chemical pulping has been identified as one of the ideal avenues of exploring the uses of groundnut shells as they are rich in cellulose. Ideally, the cellulose can be used to synthesize fibres that can be converted into useful paper products. In this study, chemical pulping was the chosen process for liberating the fibres as it is effective in dissolving lignin embedded within the cellulose. In addition, the fibres produced have superior physical properties compared to mechanical pulping. It is imperative that optimal conditions are identified for the chemical treatment process, in order to ensure that energy and chemical consumption are minimized. All these measures are aimed at reducing production costs and make chemical pulping economically viable, as compared to the mechanical pulping process which is less costly. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used in this study to evaluate the effect of three independent variables (cooking time, temperature, and sulphidity) on pulp yield and kappa number. These parameters are critical in the chemical pulping process and the optimal conditions obtained were 180 min, 100 °C and 23.6 wt.%, respectively. At the optimal cinditions, the pulp yield was 64.39wt% with a kappa number of 19.5. The results showed that all parameters investigated, had a statistically significant effect on the production of pulp. The increased cooking time was efficient in ensuring complete impregnation of the groundnut shells with chemicals for pulping and ensuring that the dissolution of lignin is not selective and does not result in dead spots inherently compromising the quality of the pulp. On the other hand, lower temperatures limited the peeling effect due to hydrolysis of carbohydrates which increased pulp yield due to a higher cellulose retention. Consequently, this contributed towards obtaining pulp that is well cooked, has a low bleach consumption and a higher quality.

Published in Heliyon

ISSN: 2405-8440 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Science (General); Social Sciences: Social sciences (General)
Website: https://www.cell.com/heliyon/home

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