Study on the Optimal Conditions for Pulp Production from Corn Husks

Abstract

This research aims to study the optimal conditions for pulp extraction from corn husks in order to utilize them as an alternative raw material in the paper industry, in accordance with the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG Model). A high-pressure system was employed in this study. The experimental procedures included chemical composition analysis of corn husks, investigation of factors affecting the pulping process, and evaluation of the properties of the obtained pulp and paper. The corn husks were first cleaned and size-reduced, then subjected to pulping in a digester under temperatures ranging from 100-160 °C and pressures of 0.2–0.8 MPa, using sodium hydroxide at concentrations of 0-10% (w/w). The results of chemical composition analysis revealed that corn husks contained 34.42% cellulose, 34.89% hemicellulose, and 11.89% lignin, indicating their suitability for pulp production. The pulping results showed that without the use of sodium hydroxide, pulp yield decreased with increasing temperature, and the obtained pulp was unsuitable for paper production due to the high residual lignin content, resulting in stiff and dark-colored pulp. The optimal pulping condition was found to be 7% (w/w) sodium hydroxide at 130 °C, yielding 22.6% pulp. The obtained fibers had lengths in the range of 0.66–0.71 mm Aspect Ratio 29-31 and a freeness value of 750–820 CSF. These results indicate that the pulp derived from corn husks can be effectively used for paper production.