The Characteristics of Pulp Fibers from Agricultural Residues

Report Introduction: Perhaps the most critical problem presented by the rapidly increasing world demand for cellulose pulps is the supply of softwoods. The long-fibered pulps produced from them are essential for the manufacture of wrapping and other high tear-resistance papers. With few exceptions, stands of the species are found only in the Northern Hemisphere and without considering Siberia the extent of softwood forests is known. In the United States, in Australia, and to a limited extent in Europe, there is an increasing production of cellulose pulps from certain hardwood species. Blends of soft wood and hardwood pulps to produce a variety of paper and board products are becoming standard practice in many mills. A study of tropical woods as a source of cellulose pulp is of extreme importance. This paper is designed to show how a partial, practical, and economic solution to the problem can be given on the basis of the chemical and physical characteristics of pulp fibers from agricultural residues. Examples of applied research will be described which point the way to success in this field