COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WASTE OKRA STALK AND RICE HUSK ON PULP YIELD

In this study, the chemical compositions of waste okra stalks and rice husks were investigated and their use, evaluated as raw materials for the Kraft pulping process. Pulp yield, Consistency and 1% NaOH solubility were determined. Both raw materials were dried, and the chemical compositions obtained prior to cooking/digestion in a 15 L autoclave. While properties such as moisture content, 1% NaOH solubility, extractives and hot water solubility seem to favour raw rice husk, the pulp yield was very low (25.7%) as against the pulp yield from okra (41.2%). The high ash content and Silicates/Silica in rice husk (6.1 – 45.82% and 20480ppm respectively) will pose problems in the liquor recovery stage in the process. Therefore, the okra stalk is a better raw material for pulp and paper making than the rice husk.