Improving the strength of paper from pectinase treated banana fibres.

Abstract

Both fibre length and surface size have an impact on paper strength. Fiber length is used to measure pulp properties, tensile index of paper increases with fiber length. Surface sizing promotes desired surface properties; creating a stronger surface, binding fibers, fillers to that surface, increases resistance and strength against water, oil and solvents which Improves positively the physical strength of the paper. There is an increase in paper strength and the overall increase is highest in sample 9 (7 inches and 13% size) whose tensile strength is 64.0 Nmlg compared to the standard 33.38 Nmlg. Hence most suitable for low weight packaging Changes in tensile, tear, burst strength and folding endurance were as a result of changes in fibre length and size percentage.