Effect of pulping variables on the characteristics of oil-palm frond-fiber [An article from: Bioresource Technology]

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Description:
Caustic pulping of oil-palm frond-fiber strands was conducted following a central composite design using a two-level factorial plan involving three pulping variables (temperature: 160-180 ^oC, time: 1-2 h, alkali charge: 20-30% NaOH). Responses of pulp properties to the process variables were analyzed using a statistical software (DESIGN-EXPERT^(R)). The results indicated that frond-fiber strands could be pulped with ease to about 35-45% yield. Statistically, the reaction time was not a significant factor while the influences of the treatment temperature and caustic charge were in general significantly relative to the properties of the resultant pulps.