Effect of pulping variables on the characteristics of oil-palm frond-fiber

Caustic pulping of oil-palm frond-fiber strands was conducted following a central composite design using a two-level factorial plan involving three pulping variables (temperature: 160–180 °C, time: 1–2 h, alkali charge: 20–30% NaOH). Responses of pulp properties to the process variables were analyzed using a statistical software (DESIGN-EXPERT®). The results indicated that frond-fiber strands could be pulped with ease to about 35–45% yield. Statistically, the reaction time was not a significant factor while the influences of the treatment temperature and caustic charge were in general significantly relative to the properties of the resultant pulps.