Open Access

ARTICLE

Pulp and Paper from Sugarcane: Properties of Rind and Core Fractions

Lísias Pereira Novo^1,2*, Julien Bras^3,4, Mohamed Naceur Belgacem^3,4, Antonio Aprigio da Silva Curvelo²

1 Department of Materials Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. João Dagnone 1100, 13563-120, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
2 Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São Carlense 400, 3560-970, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
3 Grenoble Alpes University, LGP2, F-38000 Grenoble, France
4 CNRS, LGP2, F-38000 Grenoble, France

*Corresponding author:

Journal of Renewable Materials 2018, 6(2), 160-168. https://doi.org/10.7569/JRM.2017.634165

Abstract

Two distinct lignocellulosic fractions (rind and core) can be obtained through a physical separation of sugarcane stalks. Although presenting differences in morphology, both fractions can be employed to produce pulps and papers. The pulps and paper sheets produced from the core and rind fractions were characterized by their chemical composition, physical properties and mechanical properties. The pulps obtained from the core presented a higher amount of fines, lower drainage ability and rendered denser and stiffer sheets. The pulps from the rind, which have a higher content of fibers and higher degree of polymerization, produced sheets with higher air permeability and water absorption. Both paper sheets presented mechanical and physical properties comparable to commercial papers and papers from different cellulosic sources. The different properties exhibited by the papers produced from each fraction allow their use for distinct purposes, and expands the opportunities in the context of sugarcane biorefinery.

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