Soda pulping of umbrella palm grass (cyperus flabettiformic)

Chemical, morphological and anatomical characteristics of Cyperus flabettiformic were evaluated. It is characterized with low α-cellulose (32.2%) and moderate lignin (24.0%) content. Fiber length of C. flabettiformic was shorter (0.94mm) but slender ratio was extremely high (166). Anatomically, this grass is constituted by homogeneous parenchyma cells and the vascular bundles (11.8%). Delignification of C. flabettiformic was carried out by conventional soda pulping under varying alkali charge, time and liquor to material ratio at the boiling temperature. Total pulp yield was 55.0% with kappa number 15.5 at the cooking conditions of 12% alkali charge, 2 h of cooking and liquor to material ratio 10:1. Multivariate data analysis was used to evaluate the influence of alkali charge, cooking time and liquor ratio on pulp yield and kappa number. Alkali charge had a significant effect on pulp yield and kappa number. PLSR model showed better prediction efficiencies for pulp yield and PCR model performed better prediction for kappa number. Initial drainage resistance and papermaking properties of C. flabettiformic pulp were higher than other nonwood.