Optimization of Sulfonated Chemi-Mechanical Pulping of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch Using Response Surface Methodology

In order to optimize the sulfonated chemi-mechanical pulping of palm oil empty fruit bunch, the response surface methodology was employed. It was intended to determine the optimum level of sodium sulfite dosage, sodium hydroxide dosage, maximum cooking temperature, and cooking time at the sulfonation stage, and their influences on paper sheets properties were analyzed. An optimum compromise was obtained, and the sodium sulfite dosage, sodium hydroxide dosage, maximum temperature, and cooking time were 18%, 4%, 155 °C, and 100 min, respectively. The density, bursting strength index, tensile strength index, and tearing strength index were 0.5622 g/cm3, 2.60 kPa·m2/g, 45.01 N·m/g, and 7.53 mN·m2/g, respectively.