Authors : Kalanidhi K.; Chandran Masi; Siva N.; Gayathri B.; Oviyasree J. K.; Vanitha V.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4mmu57d5

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2erv5x4j

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar879

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study explored the development of two handmade paper sheets made from three different fiber sources: 100% palmyra fibers and a blend of palmyra, banana, and coconut fibers (composite). The both papers were prepared by the kraft pulping process. The resulting sheets were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and morphological properties. The physical parameters were assessed and showed the average thickness, grammage, moisture content, opacity, brightness, and apparent density values for 100% Palmyra paper and composite paper were 0.13 and 0.22 μm, 22.8 and 18.9 g/m², 8% and 6%, 63% and 60 %, 50% and 53% and 0.22 and 0.18 g/cm³ respectively. The water absorption capacity was evaluated by measuring Cobb value which was found to be 80 g/m². The chemical analysis provided the information on the composition of the fiber in both papers by determining the amount of ash, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The FTIR confirmed the presence of cellulose, while SEM provided detailed surface morphology of the fibers and their arrangement. This thorough characterization offers valuable information on the potential of these unconventional fibers for paper production, emphasizing the possibility of creating unique handmade papers with distinct properties.

Keywords : Palmyra, Banana, Coconut Fibers, Composite, Handmade Paper.

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