Properties Characterization of Napier Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum) as the Non-wood Substitution for Natural Fiber Papermaking

Napier grass, scientifically known as pennisetum purpureum is esteemed for its high productivity, robust perennial nature and pest resistance characteristics. This perennial tropical grass has versatile harvesting period and vegetative propagation through stem cutting provide it an excellent fiber reserve. Numerous preliminary studies on properties characterization of napier grass were indicated in the literature, however, a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of using this tropical grass as non-wood substitution for paper is relatively underexplored. Therefore, the primary purpose of the present study is to explore the potential of using napier grass as the non-wood substitution for greener paper making. In general, the fibre length of napier grass at approximately 20μm which is similar to the short fiber hardwoods, provides an idea of the potential usefulness of these naturally uncultivated crops in pulp and paper making. The present study indicates that the treated 4%NaOH leave fibre samples is significant for the replacement of wood-based paper due to their lower moisture uptake, better shear strength, higher tensile stress and uniformly distribution of fibers. Alternatively, this new approach demonstrates the feasibility of using napier grass as the non-wood substitute for lignocellulosic rich paper making.