Enhance the Quality of Cellulosic Fibers Produced from Agricultural Wastes through Flocculation Using Chitosan

A PAPER sheets were prepared by using different types of cellulosic fibers produced from agricultural wastes. Chitosan solutions with different concentrations were added to the surface of paper sheets. Mechanical properties enhanced in case of treated paper sheets with chitosan comparing with untreated. Generally, in all cases of paper sheets prepared from different pulps, the strength properties reached their optimum enhancement in presence of 0.5% chitosan solution almost. Physical properties enhanced by addition of chitosan. Paper sheets prepared from unbleached bagasse treated with chitosan gave the best results compared with that prepared from the others. Also, paper sheets prepared from unbleached rice straw and that prepared from unbleached mixed (rice straw and 25% bagasse) gave impressive results. Crystallinity index from the ratio A1435cm-1/ A 900 cm-1 in Infrared spectra proved all the above. It was observed from the morphology of fibers that fibers of the sized paper enhanced and became tight and smooth.