Evaluation of Pulp and Papermaking Properties of Melia azedarach

Abstract

As the world’s population rises, there is a greater need for additional pulpwood for paper production worldwide. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the pulp and papermaking characteristics of Melia azedarach. Proximate chemical analysis, fiber morphology, pulping, bleaching, and physical tests were carried out to check the suitability of raw material. The proximate chemical analysis results showed that M. azedarach has a holocellulose content of 72.95% and a lignin content of 22.14%. Fiber morphology assessment revealed that the fibers were 0.571 mm long, 13.45 μm wide, and had a 2.52 μm cell wall thickness. Kraft pulping of M. azedarach was performed at different active alkali contents (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) and temperatures (150 °C, 160 °C, 170 °C, 180 °C, and 190 °C), keeping the sulfidity constant at 25%. The maximum pulp yield was 41.81% at an active alkali content of 15%, a temperature of 170 °C, and a cooking time of 90 min. The effect of pulping on the fiber morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy, which showed that the fiber’s surface before pulping was tight and arranged in an orderly way, with a relatively complex texture. After pulping, lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose were removed, and the fiber became softer and more loosened, containing micropores. The pulp produced was bleached, and sheet preparation and testing were performed. The prepared paper sheets had a tensile index of 23.3 Nm/g, a burst index of 1.4 kPa m2/g, and a tear index of 4.0 mN m2/g. This study concluded that M. azedarach could be a raw material for the pulp and papermaking industries. The results indicated that M. azedarach is also a potential alternative resource for pulp and paper production in Ethiopia.

Research trends of Melia in tropical plantation forestry

“…Melia dubia and M. composita have proven wood qualities, unlike M. azedarach, which is regarded as an invasive plant in the USA and some parts of Africa (Ding et al 2006;Voigt et al 2011). Nevertheless, M. azedarach is reported to be highly suitable for paper and pulp (Megra et al 2022). Recently, there has been increased research on the green synthesis of nanoparticles related to Melia, which hints at new potential for this genus.…”

Proximate Chemical Analysis and Effect of Age and Height of Oxytenanthera abyssinica on Fiber Morphology and Chemical Compositions for Pulp and Paper Production Potential

“…Where: STD: standard deviation, CI L : confidence interval lower, CI U : confidence interval upper, N: number, x ̄: mean value. [41] and Caesalpinia decapetala (softwood plants with 18.63 μm fiber width) [42]. This gives the idea that O. abyssinica also can be used as an excellent raw material for pulping.…”

Pengaruh Nilai Ketahanan Tarik Terhadap Daya Regang Dalam Pembuatan Kertas Dari Bahan Baku Kulit Singkong dan Daun Nanas

“…Bahan baku yang sering digunakan berdasarkan serat yaitu serat primer dan serat sekunder. Serat primer berasal dari tumbuhan alami, terutama kayu dan non kayu dan serat sekunder yaitu kertas daur ulang (Megra et al, 2022).…”