Evaluation of Hesperaloe funifera pulps obtained by a low energy consumption process as a reinforcement material in recycled pulps

The aim of this work is to study the reinforcement capacity of pulps obtained from Hesperaloe funifera using a simple and low energy consumption process (chemi refiner mechanical pulping) once they are added in different percentages to recycled pulps from newspaper and from old corrugated containers (OCC). Pinus radiata kraft pulp was used as a referent reinforcement material. H. funifera acted as a reinforcement material in newspaper and OCC recycled pulps, improving their optical and mechanical properties. While a 25% of H. funifera was the optimal amount added to reinforce the OCC pulp, only a 10% was needed for newspaper pulp. However, the OCC optimal mixture was better reinforced as it showed higher increase in all properties than the optimal newspaper mixture, apart from tensile index. Finally, all mixtures with P. radiata kraft pulp produce handsheet with lower properties, apart from tear index, suggesting than H. funifera is a better reinforcement material.