Brightness and Physical Properties of Handsheet Paper Made from Kawayan Tinik (Bambusa blumeana Schult. f.) with Starch Encapsulated Gamma-alumina as Filler
Author : Maniago, Paulo Calma
Major Adviser : Manalo, Ronniel D.
Committee Members : Guerrero, Gino Apollo M.; Doliente, Stephen S.
Year : 2016
Month : June
Type : Practicum
Degree: BS
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Abstract
Bamboo is one of the most popular non-wood plant that can be used for paper making. However, problem on its optical properties especially brightness hinders its broader application in pulp and paper industry. Recently, this problem has been addressed by using inorganic fillers with high brightness. γ-alumina is one of the polymorphs of nano-alumina with relatively large surface area, unique surface characteristics, and remarkable structural stability that can be useful for improving the brightness of paper. Sol-gel technique was performed in the experiment to produce γ-alumina from aluminum chloride precursor. Calcination was done at 500 °C to further reduce the size of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the γ-alumina crystals were encapsulated with starch to potentially improved the physical properties of the paper. The filler amount and starch dosage were varied at 25% and 6.25%; and 12.5%, 56.25% and 100% respectively to determine their effects on the brightness, folding endurance, tear resistance, burst strength, and tensile strength. The variability and statistical significance of the results with various treatments were determined by a combination of Kruskal Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test. It was found out using the Pearson correlation test that all responses have linear association with one or more treatments done. However, regression analysis showed that only tear resistance, tensile strength, and brightness has association with one or more predictors and so regression model can be generated. In addition, the effect of alumina filler loading alone was observed as the only factor that does not have significant association for every response.
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