application of galbanum gum polysaccharide as a natural polymer to improve dry strength properties of recycled papers obtained from old corrugated cartons

biopolymers are environmental friendly sources as renewable and sustainable substituents for petroleum-based polymers. application of these polymers is common in variety of industries including papermaking. herbalexudate gums have been used in papermaking industry for decades, especially paper recycling. in this study, gum polysaccharide exudates from baridje plant  (ferula gummosa) extracted and purified with ethanol, analyzed by using saeman method and added as a dry strength additive to improve the mechanical properties (burst, breaking length and scott internal bonding) of recycled paper, 60 g/m2 grammage, produced from old corrugated cartons. the purified monosaccharide contained: galactose 60%, arabinose 15% and galacturonic acid 25%. the effects of the biopolymer on mechanical properties of the recycled paper showed statistical significance at 99% level. the anionic nature of the biopolymer, fibres and paper recycling system was neutralized by addition of polyaluminium chloride (pac) to adjust zeta potential to about zero and improve system’s strength properties. interaction effects of cationic oligomer (pac) and biopolymer were also statistically significant at 99% level and displayed stronger material with improved mechanical strength.