Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
A Nishant, Tamil Arivan R, Vicas Pandi R, Babu P, Dr Thirumarimurugan M
Department of Chemical Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology,
Coimbatore – 641014, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Corresponding author E-mail ID: nishantaero187@[Link].
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the potential of agricultural residues from Musa paradisiaca
Linn. (banana plant) and Zea mays L. (maize plant) as eco-friendly raw materials for pulp and
paper production. Traditional wood-based papermaking is highly resource-intensive and
contributes to deforestation. In contrast, banana pseudostems and maize stalks are readily
available post-harvest wastes, offering a sustainable lignocellulosic source. The process
included drying, alkali treatment, chemical pulping with white liquor, and bleaching using
hydrogen peroxide. Handmade paper sheets were produced using both manual and
Fourdrinier methods.
Cellulose yields were 19.85% for banana and 17.2% for maize. The resulting pulp
showed good properties, including a freeness of 26.4°SR, bulk of 1.79 cc/g, and a breaking
length of 4500 m, indicating strong fiber bonding. Mechanical properties such as tear factor
(171) and burst factor (30) affirm its potential for practical uses like packaging. Optical
characteristics—brightness (32.2%) and yellowness index (40.6)—suggest a natural, earthy
appearance ideal for sustainable branding. The grammage of 123.96 g/m² makes it suitable
for printing and commercial applications. This research demonstrates that agro-waste from
banana and maize can be effectively repurposed, supporting sustainability, rural employment,
and agro-industrial waste reduction.
Keywords: Non-wood fibers, Musa paradisiaca Linn, Zea mays L, pulp and paper, agro-
waste utilization, sustainable materials, cellulose extraction, handmade paper, eco-friendly
packaging.
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
INTRODUCTION
Paper is an essential commodity with applications in education, packaging,
publishing, and industry. Its conventional production from wood pulp contributes to
deforestation, habitat loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions [1]. Furthermore, the
surge in plastic production exacerbates climate change [2], while many disposable paper
products also contain harmful additives [3] and contribute indirectly to marine pollution [4].
To address these environmental challenges, researchers have explored non-wood raw
materials for pulp production [5]. Among these, Musa paradisiaca Linn. [11] and Zea mays
L. [9] are abundant agricultural crops whose residues are often discarded after harvest,
causing disposal issues. These residues are rich in cellulose and can be converted into value-
added paper products [15].
Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth [10], providing structural
integrity to plant cell walls. It is renewable, biodegradable, and has desirable mechanical
properties for papermaking. Banana fibers are long and strong [11], while maize fibers,
though shorter, contribute to sheet formation and bonding [9]. Blending these fibers can
potentially improve mechanical strength, bulk, and processability compared to using either
fiber alone [5].
This present study evaluates the feasibility of producing paper from a Musa–Zea fiber
blend using chemical pulping, bleaching, and sheet formation [13]. The work also examines
physical, mechanical, and optical properties of the resulting paper and compares them with
literature values for other non-wood pulps such as chitosan–cellulose blends [5], cellulose
nano paper [8], and sugar palm fibers [15].
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The raw materials used were Musa paradisiaca pseudo stems and Zea mays stalks
collected from local farms in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Reagents included sodium hydroxide
(NaOH), sodium sulfide (Na₂S), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), glacial
acetic acid, ethanol, and distilled water, selected for their ability to remove lignin and
preserve cellulose [6].
Sample Collection and Preprocessing
Collected biomass was cleaned to remove surface impurities and chopped into pieces
approximately 3–4 cm in length. The samples were oven-dried at 60°C for 24–48 hours to
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
achieve constant weight [13]. This drying step reduced moisture, improved chemical
penetration, and inhibited microbial growth.
[Link] Materials Amount of material
or concentration
1. Musa Paradisiaca 20 gm (each)
Linn and Zea Mays L
(powered)
2. Musa Paradisiaca 100 gm (each)
Linn and Zea Mays L
3. Sodium Hydroxide 50%
4. Sodium sulfide 40%
5. Sulphuric acid 50%
6. Acetic acid 10%
7. Ethanol 95%
8. Hydrogen peroxide 95%
Tab 1. Materials Required
Preparation of Sodium Hydroxide and Acetic Acid Solutions
A 20% NaOH solution was prepared by dissolving 40 g of pellets in 200 mL distilled water,
and a 10% Acetic acid solution by diluting 10 mL glacial acetic acid with 90 mL distilled
water. These were used sequentially to break down lignin and neutralize residual alkali [6, 7].
Cellulose Analysis
Twenty grams of dried, powdered biomass from each plant species were weighed and
mixed with 40 mL of the prepared NaOH solution. The mixture was incubated at 30°C for 1
hour in a water bath with occasional stirring. This alkaline treatment enabled effective
delignification [6]. The slurry was then filtered and washed with distilled water until a neutral
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
pH was obtained. Subsequently, 20 mL of 10% acetic acid was added to neutralize residual
alkali and facilitate precipitation of any remaining solubilized non-cellulosic components.
The mixture was left at room temperature for 30 minutes, followed by additional water
washing and centrifugation.
To precipitate and purify the cellulose, 20 mL of 95% ethanol was added to the
filtrate. After 30 minutes of resting time, the suspension was centrifuged again, and the pellet
(solid cellulose) was collected. The cellulose was dried in a hot air oven at 50°C for 24 hours
and weighed to calculate the yield [7].
Fig 1. Powered Sample Fig 2. Centrifugation Fig 3. Supernatant Liquid
Pulping Procedure
For chemical pulping, 100 g of dried and chipped biomass was cooked in 400 mL of
white liquor consisting of NaOH and Na₂S (prepared in an 8:1 liquor-to-wood ratio). The
mixture was maintained at 100°C for 2.5 to 3 hours. After pulping, the black liquor was
separated and discarded, while the pulp was washed with distilled water to remove residual
chemicals [15].
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
Fig 4. Chipped Zea plant Fig 5. Chipped Musa plant Fig 6. Pulping of Zea
plant
Fig 7. Pulping of Musa plant Fig 8. First wash of Pulp Fig 9. Final Wash of Pulp
Bleaching Process
The washed pulp was subjected to hydrogen peroxide bleaching using a 4–6% H₂O₂
solution in an alkaline medium (pH 10–11, adjusted using NaOH). The mixture was kept at
60°C for 1.5–2 hours. After bleaching, the pulp was thoroughly washed and stored for sheet
formation [12].
Fig 10. Bleaching
Sheet Formation
Paper sheets were fabricated using both manual and semi-industrial Fourdrinier
techniques [13]. For the manual method, diluted pulp slurry was poured onto a mesh screen
and uniformly spread. Excess water was removed by pressing, and the sheets were air-dried.
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
For the Fourdrinier simulation, the slurry was drained, pressed, and dried under controlled
heat, producing smoother and more uniform sheets suitable for testing.
The prepared sheets were stored under dry conditions and later subjected to physical
and mechanical testing, including freeness, bulk, tensile strength, tear and burst factor,
brightness, and GSM analysis [14].
Fig 11. Handpress Paper Fig 12. Industrial pressed Paper
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The following results were obtained from the combined pulp of Musa paradisiaca
Linn. and Zea mays L., rather than individual plant sources. The goal was to evaluate the
synergistic performance of these agricultural residues in paper production.
Cellulose Yield
The cellulose yield from the combined pulp of Musa paradisiaca and Zea mays was
calculated by processing a blend of both biomasses. The yield was 19.85 ± 0.9985% for
Musa and 17.2 ± 0.86% for Zea individually, and the combined processing was aimed at
optimizing fiber strength and pulp consistency. The cellulose extraction reflects the
effectiveness of chemical delignification and highlights the value of blending agro-waste to
improve yield while maintaining fiber quality [10, 7].
% Cellulose = (Dry weight of solid after centrifuge) * 100
(Initial weight of sample taken)
% Cellulose (MUSA) = (3.97 / 20) * 100%
= 19.85 %
= 19.85 ± 0.9985 %
% Cellulose (ZEA) = (3.44 / 20) * 100%
= 17.2 %
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
= 17.2 ± 0.86 %
Fig 13. Dry weight of Musa Plant Fig 14. Dry weight of Zea Plant
Pulp Freeness and Bulk
The freeness of the blended pulp was measured at 26.4°SR, indicating moderate water
drainage, ideal for lab-scale and semi-industrial paper sheet formation. The bulk of the
composite pulp was 1.79 cc/g, balancing porosity and structural density. These metrics
suggest the hybrid pulp offers practical processing characteristics and desirable end-use
performance [13].
Mechanical Properties
Mechanical testing on the paper derived from the Musa-Zea blend showed:
Breaking length: 4500 m
Tear factor: 171
Burst factor: 30
These properties confirm good tensile strength and resistance to mechanical stress. The
blended pulp leveraged Musa's long, flexible fibers and Zea’s coarse but bonding-supportive
characteristics, making the final product suitable for medium-strength packaging and printed
materials [5, 9].
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
Fig 15. Test Report
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
Tab 2. Comparison Table
Parameter Combination Zea mays L Musa Eucalyptus
of Musa paradisiaca Hybrid
paradisiaca Linn
Linn and Zea
mays L
Freeness (°SR) 26.4 18.3 35.6 40.3
Bulk (cc/g) 1.79 1.94 1.42 1.33
Tear Factor 171 47 77 81
Burst Factor 30 15 36 39
Breaking 4500 2600 5800 6500
Length (m)
Optical Properties
The brightness of the combined pulp paper was 32.2%, which is typical for partially
bleached agro-waste fibers [8]. Though not comparable to chemically bleached wood pulp,
this level of brightness aligns with eco-conscious paper products. The CIELAB values (L* =
73.2, a* = 2.9, b* = 17.2) denote a light brown tone, with a yellowness index of 40.6%. These
properties enhance its appeal for natural, biodegradable, or artisanal applications [5].
GSM Analysis
A square sample of the synthesized paper gave a grammage of 123.96 g/m²,
supporting its application in brochures, flyers, wrapping paper, or document covers. The
moderate GSM
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
Fig 16. 11x11 Paper Fig 17. Weight of Paper
reflects both fiber strength and weight efficiency, affirming the hybrid pulp’s utility for
consumer and industrial paper uses [14].
Weight of the paper = 1.50 gm
Area of the paper = 11 cm × 11 cm = 121 cm² = 0.0121 m²
GSM = Weight of paper (gm) / Area of paper (m2)
= (1.50) / (0.0121)
= 123.96694 gm / m2
Comparative Performance Compared to individual pulps
• Musa had stronger fibers and higher tensile properties (breaking length ~5800 m)
• Zea exhibited greater bulk but less cohesion (lower tear and burst factors)
• The Musa–Zea blend achieved a well-rounded profile, outperforming Zea alone and nearly
matching Musa’s strength
• Eucalyptus hybrid pulp remains superior in whiteness and tensile strength but comes at a
higher environmental cost
This comparison establishes that the Musa–Zea pulp provides a strong, sustainable mid-tier
alternative to conventional sources.
Industrial Validation
The combined pulp was submitted to Seshasayee Paper and Boards Ltd. (SPB) for
analysis. The results validated the paper's mechanical processability and suitability for
commercial conversion. According to SPB testing, the blended pulp demonstrated
compatibility with refining, pressing, and drying stages typical in industrial-scale production.
Overall, these results emphasize that the combined use of Musa paradisiaca Linn. and
Zea mays L. offers a promising, eco-efficient alternative for paper production. Further
process refinement could elevate product quality to meet or exceed commercial paper
standards.
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
CONCLUSION
The present study successfully demonstrates the potential of agricultural waste
materials, specifically Musa paradisiaca Linn. and Zea mays L., for the production of eco-
friendly paper. Through a combination of chemical pulping, bleaching, and sheet formation, a
hybrid pulp was developed and evaluated for its cellulose content, mechanical strength,
optical properties, and practical usability.
The blended pulp exhibited a cellulose yield that supports its viability as a sustainable
raw material. Mechanical analysis confirmed that the combined fibers produced paper with
good tensile strength (breaking length of 4500 m), tear resistance (tear factor of 171), and
moderate burst strength (30). These attributes, alongside a grammage of approximately
123.96 g/m², make the paper suitable for various applications such as flyers, brochures,
notebooks, and eco-conscious packaging.
Optical evaluation revealed a natural light-brown tone with a brightness of 32.2%, a
yellowness index of 40.6%, and balanced CIELAB color metrics. While lower than industrial
wood pulp in brightness, the aesthetic and environmental benefits position this paper as an
attractive product for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.
Moreover, validation by Seshasayee Paper and Boards Ltd. confirmed the industrial
processability of the Musa-Zea composite pulp. It showed favorable behavior under refining
and sheet formation conditions, highlighting its compatibility with existing paper production
workflows.
This project aligns with circular economy principles by transforming post-harvest
agricultural waste into a valuable commercial product. It reduces dependency on wood,
conserves forest resources, and provides an added revenue stream for agricultural sectors.
Future work should aim at improving the bleaching process, optimizing the pulp mix ratio,
and scaling up production to meet industry standards more closely.
In conclusion, paper production from Musa paradisiaca and Zea mays residues offers
a compelling case for sustainable innovation in the paper industry. With continued research
and process refinement, this agro-waste pulp can be positioned as a commercially
competitive and environmentally superior alternative to conventional paper.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors convey sincere thanks to the Department of Chemical Engineering and
Management of Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore-641014 for supporting this
project.
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Production of Paper from Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Zea Mays
L.
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