Production of Cardboard from waste bagasse by chemical pulping

Abstract

This experimentation was carried out in an effort to search an alternative use of bagasse waste to reduce its accumulation in different sugar processing industries and to mitigate the later effects of the waste in Uganda by utilizing it in production of cardboard. The properties of raw bagasse were determined and found to have moisture content of about 47.78% and lignin content of 13.8%. Bagasse was macerated using chemicals that pose less harm to the environment compared to those currently being employed in pulp and paper industries and the properties of its pulp such as lignin content, moisture content was evaluated. Sample sheets of paper were produced using hand sheet method on a laboratory scale and were duly tested for tearing resistance, tensile strength and burst strength. Therefore, its paper products can be used for writing and printing applications, but not suitable for wrapping and packaging.