Pulping and papermaking properties of pati (Typha)

Pati grown in the northern and eastern region of Bangladesh was submitted to chemical and morphological analysis. The results of general chemical analysis have evidenced the different relative abundance of holocellulose, lignin, extractive and ash. The eastern region pati had higher holocellulose and lower lignin and extractives than the northern region pati. Morphological properties of both regions pati were similar. Pulping of northern and eastern region pati was done with varying active alkali and cooking time at boiling temperature. The viscosity of pati pulp was increased with decreasing kappa number. Eastern region pati had higher pulp yield and lower kappa number than northern region pati. Initial SR value and strength properties of pati were higher than other nonwood. Eastern region pati showed higher strength properties than northern region pati. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.