The Effect of Using Cellulose Nanofibers and Cationic Starch on the Properties of Soda-AQ Pulp from Rice Straw

In this study، the effect of using cellulose nanofibers and cationic starch on the mechanical properties of soda anthraquinone (Soda-AQ) pulp prepared from un-extracted/ alkaline pre-extracted rice straw using conventional hand sheet paper making system with standard wire was investigated. Cellulose nanofibers were added at three ratios of 2، 5 and 10 wt%، mixed with pulps from un-extracted/ alkaline pre-extracted rice straw over 2، 5 and 10 minutes. The consumption ratio of cationic starch was also tuned at 1. 5 percent based on dry weight of pulp. The results show that in spite of using conventional hand sheet paper making system، the mechanical strength of paper containing cellulose nanofibers linearly increased. The use of cationic starch had a positive significant effect on the paper properties due to better retention of cellulose nanofibers. The results indicate the success of using cellulose nanofibers with cationic starch in improving the mechanical characteristics of soda-AQ pulp in conventional hand sheet paper making system.