Evaluation of Erythrina fusca Lour. as a pulping raw material

ABSTRACT This paper characterizes Erythrina fusca Lour. in terms of anatomical, morphological and chemical properties to evaluate its efficacy as a pulping raw material. It is characterized with 47.0% α-cellulose and 28.8% lignin content with a fibre length of 1.11 mm. The vessels (pores) are distinct and form porous semi-rings, with a row of larger pores at the beginning of the growth layer, which facilitate penetration of chemicals during the cooking phase of pulping. Kraft pulping of E. fusca was carried out by varying cooking temperature, time and alkali charge. At optimum condition of 14% active alkali for 2 h of cooking at 170°C, pulp yield was 40% with kappa number of 26.6. The papermaking properties were also evaluated and showed tensile index of 52.4 N m g−1 with tear index of6.8 mN m2 g−1 at oSR of 57. This species can be used as a raw material for writing and printing grade pulp.