Optimization of Red Kidney Bean Pseudo Stem ( <i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> ) and Enset Fiber Alkaline-Peroxide Pulping for Blended Paper Making

This study investigated the proximate and chemical composition analysis of red kidney bean pseudo-stem, optimization of red kidney bean pseudo-stem and enset fiber alkaline-peroxide pulping and blended paper mechanical properties. The optimization of alkaline-peroxide pulping was done by using response surface methodology with CCD experimental design. The red kidney bean pseudo-stem has moisture, ash, extractive, cellulose, klason lignin and hemicellulose contents of 9.7%, 4.9%, 6.9%, 35.95%, 20.6%, and 24.8% respectively. The optimal pulp yields were achieved at 40% sodium hydroxide concentration, 1:1 sodium hydroxide to hydrogen peroxide ratio and 180 minutes for the red kidney bean pseudo-stem, and 30% sodium hydroxide, 1:2 ratios of sodium hydroxide to hydrogen peroxide and 120 minutes for the enset fiber. The pulp yields were 34.2% with 8.44 kappa number for red kidney bean pseudo-stem and 63.4% yield with 5.898 kappa number for enset fiber. Paper obtained at optimum conditions from alkaline-peroxide blended pulp (25% red kidney bean pseudo-stem and 75% enset fiber) had tensile index (28.02 Nm/g), burst index (4.7KPa*m2/g), and tear index (10.6mNm2/g). The results show pulp and paper making from enset fiber and red kidney bean pseudo-stem using alkaline-peroxide pulping method is a promising approach.