Preparation, Chemical composition, characterization and properties of paper sheets made from Napier grass

In this study, perennial fast growth Napier grass fibers were used for pulp and papermaking. Chlorination and alkaline process were carried using sodium chlorite and sodium hydroxide respectively for pulp extraction from Napier grass. Detailed chemical composition of the Napier grass fibers and the extracted pulp was carried out and a comparison with other perennial grasses made. The extracted fibers and pulp obtained from Napier grass were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The physical, optical and mechanical properties of Napier grass pulp laboratory handsheets were investigated for opacity, brightness, tensile index, breaking length and burst index. Handsheets made from pulped Napier grass were compared to paper made from other perennial grasses. The superior properties of paper prepared from Napier grass pulp indicated the suitability of Napier grass as an alternative non-wood source for papermaking.