Characterization of Anthocephalus cadamba and its delignification by kraft pulping

Abstract

Anthocephalus cadamba is a fast-growing deciduous tropical hardwood with anatomical, morphological, and chemical characteristics that make it suitable for pulp production. The fibers are short but fiber width, cell wall thickness, and rigidity coefficient of A. cadamba are comparable to those of softwoods such as Pinus kesiya and Picea abies. Due to low lignin and high holocellulose contents, A. cadamba produces high pulp yield at milder cooking conditions. We studied the effect of sulfidity, cooking time, and temperature on pulp yield and kappa number during kraft pulping. The effect of ageing on pulp yield, kappa number, and viscosity indicated that 4-year-old A. cadamba is suitable for pulp production and produces optimal strength properties at 44 Schopper-Riegler degree (°SR). Application: A. cadamba may have potential for pulp and paper production in south Asian countries that have scarcity of wood fibers.