| Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of natural weathering induced by critical climate conditions in Khuzestan on quality of sugarcane bagasse pulp in Pars Papermaking Company. The experimental samples were selected from fresh and also stored bagasse for durations of 6 months, 1, 2 and 5 years. The mechanical and the chemical properties as well the color variations of the paper samples were measured. The results showed that the long storage durations significantly decreased the quality of raw materials as observed in hand sheet tensile and fold strengths. The results illustrated that the amount of lignin and extractives increased (44% lignin and 32% in extractives, respectively) and also the amount of cellulose and hemicellulose decreased (10% for cellulose and 43% for hemicellulose) after 5 years storage in the yard. According to the results, there was an obvious difference in L and a color index of pulps produced from 5 years old bagasse compared to those of fresh bagasse. Finally, the use of discolored and weathered bagasse could cause the loss in the final product quality which means more chemical treatment for bleaching and longer fiber to be used in paper making process.
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