Q.1031: What are the merits and de-merits of various papermaking raw materials?

Ans.

Parameters	Annual (Hemp, Manila & Cotton etc)	Soft Wood	Hard Wood	Agricultural Residue	Grasses (Bamboo& Kenaf)
Fiber Length	Very Large >5.0 mm (0.2")	Large 2.5 - 4.5mm (0.1-0.18")	Medium 1 - 2.5mm (0.04-0.1")	Small <1.0mm (0.04")	Medium 0.5-2.0mm (0.04-0.08")
Strength	Very High	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Chemical Pulp Yield	Cotton >90% other 50%	50%	50%	35%	45%
Ease of Pulping	Difficult	Easy	Easy	Difficult	Easy
Ease of Refining	Very Hard	Hard	Easy	Easy	Easy
Amount available	Very small	Large	Large	Large	Small
Maturity Cycle	< 1 year	>50 years	>10 years	< 1 year	Bamboo>10, Kenaf <1 yr
Collection & Transportation	Hard	Easy	Easy	Hard	Hard
General	Available quantity is low, warm weather crop, difficult to collect & transport, seasonal supply, low digester packing	Overall best raw material for making paper		Available quantity is low, warm weather crop, difficult to collect & transport, seasonal supply, low digester packing