Bleaching Process on Oil Palm Empty Bunches by Pulping Using Formacell Liquid Waste

Abstract

The formacell process produces black liquor that damages the environment. Previous research has shown that black liquor can be used as a cooking solution for pulping. The pulping process using formacell waste on oil palm empty bunches produces a dark color; therefore, it requires a bleaching process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the type of cooking solution (fresh pulping solution and leachate residual from pulping) and bleaching time (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 h) on pulp yield, cellulose content, permanganate number, and score on whiteness degree. The bleaching process used 35% peracetic acid and was conducted at 80�C. The best results were obtained at a bleaching time of 2 h, which resulted in yields of 76.1%�81.2%, cellulose contents of 53%�62.5%, permanganate numbers of 6.3�7.4, and scores of color of 3.78 (yellowish white) to 4.7 (white).