Evaluación de las propiedades físicas y mecánicas del papel kraft obtenido a partir de la biomasa lignocelulósica de la cascarilla de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) tras someterse a un proceso de blanqueo con peróxido de hidrógeno.

Abstract

In response to the growing environmental awareness and regulations intensification on the use of toxic chemicals, the paper industry is under continual pressure to explore more sustainable and safer alternatives in the bleaching process; therefore, the outcome was to estimate the physical and mechanical properties of Kraft paper subjected to a bleaching process with hydrogen peroxide and made from the lignocellulosic biomass of cocoa husk (Theobroma cacao L.). For this purpose, a quantitative, exploratory, and experimental methodology was proposed; where, in the first instance, the lignocellulosic biomass of cocoa husk of the Nacional, CCN 51, and Súper Árbol varieties was characterized using chemical extractive techniques, then, the Kraft paper was made with four concentrations of bleach (0, 30, 40 and 50 percent) plus an additive consisting of sugarcane bagasse; Finally, the physical and mechanical properties of the bleached paper were evaluated by measuring the whiteness index, thickness and tensile strength. Cocoa husk had 42.33 percent lignin and 24.82 percent cellulose on average, with the Nacional variety having the highest percentage (28.57 percent). The addition of cane bagasse improved the cellulose content, which allowed for greater paper stability; visually, 50 percent hydrogen peroxide concentration allowed for a lighter shade. It was concluded that the paper produced had high whiteness levels, especially of the Nacional and CCN-51 varieties, however, the low tensile strength does not allow it to be used as common bond paper, recommending improving the pressing technique to improve the mechanical properties of the paper.