Non-wood agricultural residues and crops as a source of cellulose fibres for different application

Different industrial by-products, namely: (i) wheat straw, (ii) Cynara cardunculus L. (iii) kenaf and (iv) banana crops were studied in view of using them as a raw materials for the papermaking industry. Thus, after the investigation of their chemical composition, their optimal cooking conditions were established. The most optimal pulps were then used to prepare hand sheet papers and the ensuing materials showed very promising properties and could constitute good alternatives for fluting paper and/or secondary fibres (reference raw material). Typically, the obtained samples showed at least similar SCT and CMT values as those displayed by reference raw materials.