Production and characterization of Imperata cylindrica paper using potassium hydroxide as pulping agent

Abstract. Madung Z, Soloi S, Majid MHA, Sarjadi MS. 2022. Production and characterization of Imperata cylindrica paper using potassium hydroxide as pulping agent. Biodiversitas 23: 1490-1494. Non-woody plants have become an alternative fiber in production woods, the primary sources papers limited due to increasing demand year by year. or cogon grass source for pulp industry replacing wood because it has high cellulose low lignin content. In this study, grasses were treated with various concentrations hydroxide, KOH (5%, 8%, 10% 12%). The effects alkali treatment on properties investigated present study. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image sheet indicates that amount other materials lessening toward a higher concentration treatment. This explained most was entirely removed some probably degraded at concentrations. Fourier Transform Infa-Red (FTIR) analysis showed peaks range 1650 cm-1-1630 cm-1 attributed presence v(C=C) aromatic ring disappeared 12% KOH. mechanical strength decreased KOH, while 5% produced highest value tensile strength.