Optimization of Process Variables for the Soda Pulping of Carpolobia Lutea (Polygalaceae) G. Don

The selection of suitable delignification conditions and optimization of process variables is crucial to the successful operation of chemical pulping processes. Soda pulping of Carpolobia lutea was investigated, as an alternative raw material for pulp and paper production. The process was optimized under the influence of three operational variables, namely, temperature, time and concentration of cooking liquor. Equations derived using a second - order polynomial design predicted the pulp yield and lignin dissolution with errors less than 8% and 11% respectively. The maximum variations in the pulp yield using a second order factorial design was caused by changes in both time and alkali concentration. Optimum pulp yield of 43.87% was obtained at low values of the process variables. The selectivity of lignin dissolution was independent of the working conditions, allowing quantitative estimations to be established between the pulp yield and residual lignin content within the range studied.