Optimisation of Soda Pulping Variables for Preparation of Dissolving Pulps from Oil Palm Fibre

Summary A water prehydrolysis-soda pulping sequence for the preparation of dissolving pulps from oil palm fibre (empty fruit bunches) was investigated using a response surface methodology (RSM) statistical experiment design. Five response variables of screened yield, Kappa number, α-cellulose, viscosity and ash content were statistically analyzed with respect to the three input variables of pulping temperature (T), time-at-temperature (t) and alkali level (A), while keeping the prehydrolysis conditions constant. Optimum conditions were: T = 161°C, t = 100 min and A= 26.1%. Values predicted by RSM for screened yield, Kappa number, α-cellulose, viscosity and ash content at the optimum are 31.2%, 6.0, 96.9%, 16.1 cps and 0.15%, respectively. These values were experimentally verified and very close agreement between experimental and predicted values was obtained.