title: Effect of pulping variables on the characteristics of oil-palm frond-fiber.
abstract: Caustic pulping of oil-palm frond-fiber strands was conducted following a central composite design using a two-level factorial plan involving three pulping variables (temperature: 160-180 degrees C, time: 1-2 h, alkali charge: 20-30% NaOH). Responses of pulp properties to the process variables were analyzed using a statistical software (DESIGN-EXPERT). The results indicated that frond-fiber strands could be pulped with ease to about 35-45% yield. Statistically, the reaction time was not a significant factor while the influences of the treatment temperature and caustic charge were in general significantly relative to the properties of the resultant pulps.
authors.affiliation: Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia. wanrosli@usm.my
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Wan Rosli
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zainuddin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Asro
mesh_terms: D028023:Arecaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D002424:Caustics / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D010209:Paper; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002424:Caustics; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide