Title: The optimisation of delignification in the pulping of Areca catechu L.: the study of NaOH concentration and cooking time

Authors: Ika Atsari Dewi; Susinggih Wijana; Elce Velenia Rembet

Addresses: Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Agricultural Technology Faculty, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia; Palm-based Agroindustry Research Group, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia ' Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Agricultural Technology Faculty, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia; Palm-based Agroindustry Research Group, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia ' Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Agricultural Technology Faculty, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia

Abstract: Further research to utilise areca betel plant fibre as material for handicraft paper is necessary. This research aimed to find out the optimal NaOH concentration and cooking time in making pulp from areca betel fibre in terms of the cellulose and lignin content produced. Response surface methodology is used as method. The first factor which is NaOH concentration used an upper and lower limits of 25% and 15%, while the second factor which is cooking time used upper and lower limits of 150 and 90 minutes respectively. The responses examined were lignin and cellulose content. The results of the research showed the optimal condition from NaOH concentration was 25% with a cooking time of 90 minutes which resulted in the response of cellulose and lignin contents of 46.6% and 7.6%, successively. The optimal solution was chosen as the best solution and can be used as material for making handicraft paper.

Keywords: areca betel fibre; cellulose; lignin; pulping; response surface methodology; RSM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2023.130543

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2023 Vol.31 No.2, pp.258 - 270

Accepted: 12 Jul 2020
Published online: 27 Apr 2023 *

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