Cogon Grass as an Alternative Fibre for Pulp and Paper-Based Industry: On Chemical and Surface Morphological Properties

The increasing demand in wood fibre consumptions especially in pulp and paper making has pushed forward the search for alternative fibre resources. Non-wood derived fibre could be good candidates due to its abundance availability. Agriculture residues or non-wood annual plants are good potential fibre resource for pulp and paper making. The objective of this study is to determine the suitability of cogon grass as an alternative fibre for pulp and paper making by analysing its chemical and surface morphological properties. The holocellulose, cellulose, lignin, 1% NaOH solubility, hot water solubility and ash contents were quantified to analyse its chemical characteristics. Quantification of chemical compositions was conducted in accordance with relevant Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) Tests, Kurscher-Hoffner and Chlorite methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize the surface morphology of the cogon grass fibre. Results obtained indicate that the holocellulose (64.93%) content is comparable with other published non-woods and the lignin (5.67%) content is favourably the lowest. In addition, the hot water and 1% NaOH solubilities are (3.83%) and (19.64%) respectively. SEM images show that cogon grass fibres contained abundance and long fibres which provide good strength of the produced handsheet. Based on the chemical and surface morphological properties analyses, cogon grass is a good alternative fibre resource especially for pulp and paper making industries.