Potential of Elephant Grass for Pulp Production

Abstract

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) (EG) is a fast-growing plant with high biomass productivity in the range of 30-45 bone dry t/ha/yr. This high productivity qualifies EG as a potential raw material for bleached pulp production. This study evaluated elephant grass as a raw material for paper pulp production. This was accomplished through determining its full chemical and morphological characterization, pulpability at kappa numbers 15 and 20 via the kraft and soda-AQ processes, and its pulp bleachability to 90% ISO brightness. The results were compared with those of a commercial hybrid eucalyptus wood clone (Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis) (EUCA) that is widely planted in Brazil. Concerning its chemical composition, the elephant grass presented a high ash (60,100 mg/kg) and total extractives content (14.8%). However, the elephant grass showed good potential for pulp production. The kraft process was the ideal cooking process at kappa number 20, producing the highest screened yield (47.9%), bleachability (0.163 Δkappa/TAC), and good viscosity (812 dm 3 /kg). For EUCA, the ideal cooking process was the kraft process at kappa number 20, resulting in a screened yield of 52%, bleachability of 0.217 Δkappa/TAC, and final viscosity of 886 dm 3 /kg. This high productivity qualifies EG as a potential raw material for bleached pulp production.

Accelerated aging of polymer composite from Pennisetum purpureum fibers with recycled low-density polyethylene

“…7 It is estimated that under favorable conditions, the cultivated production can reach a rate of over 200 Kg.ha À1 . 8,9 Its main application has been in livestock for animal feed. However, P. purpureum presents also a high potential for production of natural fibers and use as reinforcement in natural fiber composites (NFCs), which is still little explored.…”

Assessment of Quality Indicators of Pressed Biofuel Produced from Coarse Herbaceous Plants and Determination of the Influence of Moisture on the Properties of Pellets

“…The ash from the combustion of Miscanthus accounts for about 4-5% of the total mass, has good chemical, physical, and mineral properties, and can be used as an eco-efficient additive in cement production and as a fertilizer for plants [6,13]. Miscanthus can also be used to make wood fiber, and some species are suitable for rapid pyrolysis to obtain bio-oils [14,15]. Sida (Sida hermaphrodita) is another big stem herbaceous plant that can be grown and used for energy purposes.…”