ENERGY-EFFICIENT PRODUCTION OF PULP FROM RICE STRAW USING SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL METHODS

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable alternatives in paper production has prompted researchers to explore agricultural residues as viable raw materials. Rice straw, an abundant and underutilized lignocellulosic biomass, holds significant potential for pulp production. This study presents an energy-efficient method for converting rice straw into pulp using a combination of environmentally friendly chemical pre-treatment and optimized mechanical processing. Various parameters such as cooking temperature, alkali concentration, and refining energy input were analyzed to determine the optimal conditions for maximum fiber yield and quality with minimal energy consumption. The resulting pulp was evaluated for its morphological properties, brightness, tensile strength, and compatibility with standard papermaking processes. The findings suggest that rice straw, when properly treated, can serve as a sustainable alternative to wood-based raw materials, offering considerable environmental and economic advantages. The proposed method not only reduces energy and chemical usage but also contributes to circular economy practices in agro-industrial sectors.