PAPER FABRICATION FROM SUGAR CANE BAGASSE: S-CANEPER

PAPER FABRICATION FROM SUGAR CANE BAGASSE: S-CANEPER

Danial Faris Haikal bin Jamal Abd Nasher, Adriana Mizanie binti Amis Ruzi, Ahya
Natasya Mohd Redzuan, Wan Najla Faqihah binti Wan Othman


Norhidayah binti Shafei
Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Kuantan, Bandar Indera Mahkota,
25200 Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia



ABSTRACT

Paper is a thin sheet material produced by mechanically or chemically processing

cellulose fibers derived from woods or other sources. Since the demand for paper
around the world is increasing while the natural resources to produce it are
declining and harmful to the environment, we proposed an eco-friendly source for

the paper fabrication. Every day, massive amount of sugar cane bagasse is
thrown out. This could lead to environmental pollution and nuisance to the

surrounding area. This research studied the suitability of sugar cane bagasse as
an eco-friendly source for paper making. Sugar cane is beneficial because it is
economical and eco-friendlier because of its renewable, biodegradable, and

compostable nature. For this study, we obtained the sugar cane bagasse from a
street hawker in Kuantan, Pahang. The paper fabrication process begins by
simmering the dried sugarcane bagasse chunks in sodium carbonate solution to

soften the fiber. The softened fiber was then soaked in eco-friendly bleach to
whiten it. Then it was grounded with water to produce pulp. The pulp was
compressed into a mould to form a sheet of paper and dried. Several tests

(physical and chemical) were then conducted to determine the quality of the
papers. Based on the results obtained, the quality of the sugar cane papers

proves to be similar compared to the regular papers. This experiment
demonstrated that sugar cane bagasse has the potential to be used as an
alternative eco-friendly source in paper manufacturing, which will benefit both the

paper manufacturing sector and the environment.

Keyword: eco-friendly, fiber, paper, sugar cane.











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INTRODUCTORY


The demand for paper is increasing among the community, especially among
students. This has led to an increase in logging projects, which seriously affects

the environment. As an alternative, we proposed an eco-friendly source to
produce paper using sugar cane bagasse. The Department of Agriculture in
Peninsular Malaysia reported that 23 519 Mt of yellow sugar cane was harvested

in Malaysia in 2021, a little increase over the 20 761 Mt harvested in 2019. To
prevent more problems in managing sugar cane bagasse and environmental

pollution from occurring, it is necessary to transform this problem into an
opportunity for national economic development. This project aimed to fabricate
paper using sugar cane bagasse efficiently and cheaply while being able to

preserve the environment.

METHODOLOGY


The sugar cane bagasse was obtained from a street hawker who sells fresh
sugar cane juice in Kuantan, Pahang area. The chemicals used in this research
are sodium carbonate powder, vinegar, and oxygen bleach. Sodium carbonate

powder and vinegar were provided by Department of Science and Mathematics,
SBP Integrasi Kuantan (SBPIK), Pahang while the oxygen bleach was sponsored
by the advisor. Butterfly pea and turmeric used were sponsored by other

teachers in school. Meanwhile, the tools for this project were obtained from the
school’s Chemistry laboratory and the paper moulds used in this project were

prepared by Innovation Science Club, SBPIK. We carried out the project based
on the steps shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Flow chart of project procedure


Dried sugarcane
bagasse chunks were The fiber was then Then it was grounded
soaked in eco-friendly
with water to produce
simmered in sodium bleach pulp.
carbonate solution






The pulp was Several physical and
chemical tests were
compressed into a Data analysis and
mould to form a sheet then conducted to conclusion.
determine the quality
of paper and dried. of the papers.

2

PROCESS

First, the bagasse was dried under the sun for 24 hours. Next, the softer part of
the bagasse was taken out and chopped into smaller chunks. After that, the

bagasse chunks were soaked in water for at least 24 hours. Then, the bagasse
was simmered with sodium carbonate solution to soften it. Afterwards, the
bagasse chunks were rinsed with excess water. The wastewater was neutralized

with vinegar before releasing it into the drainage system. The bagasse chunks
were grounded with water into pulp. The pulp was then soaked in oxygen bleach
for a few days to decolorized it. Later, the pulp was rinsed with plenty of water

and soaked again in natural coloring such as butterfly pea and turmeric solutions
for two to three days to add colour to the pulp. The pulp was put into a mould and

compressed it into suitable thickness and to remove excess water. Then, the
moulded pulp was dried under the sunlight. Lastly, the paper was taken out from
the mould.


Several physical and chemical tests were then conducted to test the quality of

S-Caneper compared to regular papers. A few samples of ordinary paper and
S-Caneper of the same sizes were prepared. In the physical tests, we checked
the quality of the paper using the naked eye and touch. A sample from each

paper was rubbed with bare hands to check its surface before being crumpled. In
absorption test, a drop of water and palm oil were put separately on each type of
paper. Lastly, we printed a document on each type of paper. For the chemical

testing, we carried out a combustion test where both samples were burnt at the
same time and the condition of the burning papers was observed. In the
decomposing test, the samples were buried in damp soil inside a beaker and set

aside for two weeks. Then, the condition of each sample was observed. All the
observations were recorded. Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows photos of

S-Caneper obtained from this project.














Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4:
Printed S-Caneper. Palm oil absorption test. Combustion test.


3

RESULTS

In this project, two categories of tests were conducted on the S-Caneper which

are physical and chemical tests. Table 2 shows the results of the tests:

Table 2: Results of physical and chemical test

Physical tests
Tests S-Caneper Regular paper

Surface Rougher Smoother
Crumple Easily crumpled Easily crumpled
Rate of water absorption Lower Higher

Rate of oil absorption Higher Lower

Printing Smooth, ink dried Smooth, ink dried
quickly quickly
Chemical tests

Tests S-Caneper Regular paper

Combustion Burns quicker with a Burns slower with a
non-sooty flame non-sooty flame
Decomposing Slower Faster


The presence of more fiber in S-Caneper causes its surface becomes rougher
and it burnt quicker than regular paper. The sootless combustion contributes to a
cleaner air around us. S-Caneper is easy to be crumpled, meaning its flexibility is

the same as that of ordinary paper. It also has a low rate of water absorption, but
it absorbs palm oil more readily than regular paper. The printing quality is as good
as printing on the regular paper. In the decomposing test, we observed that the

S-Caneper decomposed at a slower rate than regular papers. This proves that it
is more durable because it deteriorates slowly.


DISCUSSION AND DECISION

Production of S-Caneper makes a huge contribution to the environmental
sustainability because the process has the least impact on the environment with

the use of more eco-friendly chemicals. The alkaline wastewater from simmered
sugar cane bagasse was neutralized with vinegar before being released into the
drainage system. This can reduce water pollution. The use of biodegradable

oxygen bleach was also very helpful in preventing the accumulation of harmful
chemicals in the environment, resulting the balance of the environment and

reduces negative impacts on living things.
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In this era of globalisation, the use of paper and its production is increasing.
Practically, this project produces more papers to be used in daily lives using an

eco-friendlier process starting from the beginning until the end, at a lower cost.
This process also can produce papers of good qualities. Based on the results of
our work, namely the S-Caneper, it can be concluded that the study that we have

done is successful and effective. This proves that sugar cane bagasse has the
potential as an alternative basic resource in paper making. S-Caneper is a
user-friendly product which suits the consumer needs in daily activities. The

sugar cane bagasse can be converted into a useful material so that they do not
become a waste. We are confident that this project has an economical value for

our country. At the same time, this project brings a lot of benefits to humankind
and the environment which leads to the advancement of Green Technology in
Malaysia.


REFERENCES


Michael McCann, 2021, Papermaking,
https://www.nontoxichub.com/papermaking


Kristi Quillen, 2022, Make Paper from Plants,
https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/making-paper-from-plants-zm0z17jjzqui/


2021.Statistik Tanaman (Sub-Sektor Tanaman Makanan) (pp.98-103). Jabatan
Pertanian Semenanjung Malaysia. Retrieved from
http://www.doa.gov.my/index/resources/aktiviti_sumber/sumber_awam/maklumat_

pertanian/perangkaan_tanaman/booklet_statistik_tanaman_2021.pdf


Contributors:

1) Dr. Nadiya binti Haji Abd Halim, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Chemical &
Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang.


2) Marlina binti Mat, Head of Chemistry Panel, SBP Integrasi Kuantan.



3) Bestarinah binti Ibrahim, English Panel Member, SBP Integrasi Kuantan.

4) Muhammad Amjad Muhaimin bin Mustafa, Committee Member of Innovation

Science Club, SBP Integrasi Kuantan.


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