METHOD FOR OBTAINING EXTRACTS AND PULP FOR PAPER MAKING FROM WATER HYACINTH
Field / Industry: Paper industry
Patent Number / Registration Number: 2-2011-000498
Status of Application: Granted
Brief Description / Features of the technology:
The present utility model provides a process for the extraction of the juice from fresh water hyacinth stalks for use in the production of paper from low quality wastepaper. Fresh water hyacinth stems are cut, ground and the liquid extract squeezed through a muslin cloth or similar material. Other parts of the water hyacinth plant can also be processed similarly for the extract. The liquid extract is then used as formation aid/dry strengthening agent in the manufacture of paper using pulp fibers from wastepaper, with or without abaca or other fiber materials. The residual mass after extraction is then cooked in an open vessel with alkaline chemical to produce pulp, which is then washed and screened. The obtained pulp may be bleached or used as is in making paper from it or be mixed with wastepaper, abaca or other pulps. The resulting papers with the extract as formation aid, as well as those from the pulp from the residual mass, are expected to have high burst and tensile strength properties. The paper from the pure hyacinth pulp is also expected to have water resistance comparable with parchment paper. The burst, tensile strength and water resistance of paper with some proportions of abaca or other pulps are expected to improve to varying degrees.
Problem Addressed:
- To provide a process of removing much of the water content of water hyacinth and using the extract in papermaking.
Advantages:
- Obtaining extracts and pulp for paper making from water hyacinth which is a floating perennial herb.
Inventor/s:
Erlinda L. Mari;
Cesar O. Austria;
Justino C. Buendia