Physical and Mechanical Properties of Paper Made from Beaten Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Incorporated with Microcrystalline Cellulose

ABSTRACT

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), an abundant fiber material obtained after extracting the oil from the strands, is classified as short fiber which needs supporting agent in order to enhance its mechanical strength for papermaking purpose. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effects of beaten EFB fibers incorporated with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Two types of beaten EFB fibers from 500 to 1000 revolutions were applied with MCC. The selected percentage of MCC addition was 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%. Papermaking process was conducted according to TAPPI Standard T 205 sp-02. By incorporating MCC into EFB fibers, the porosity of the paper decreased while the opacity increased. Paper with 6% of MCC addition had the highest mechanical properties especially on the tensile strength. Beating effect was also found as a great factor in influencing the strength of the papers made from EFB fibers with MCC. Beating revolution of 500 showed excellent properties for tear, burst, and folding endurance. Based on physical, mechanical, and optical properties, the produced paper is found potential in the manufacture of writing or high-quality printing grade paper.

KEYWORDS:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• oil palm empty fruit bunch
• beating revolution
• paper characteristics
• kraft paper
• mechanical properties

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) for financial support of this work under Newton-Ungku Omar Fund Grant No: 6300873 and Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia [Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE)]; Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) [Newton-Ungku Omar Fund].