Pulp and Paper Production from Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium L.) Woods with Soda-AQ Method

The objective of this study was to determine the properties of pulp and paper produced from Citrus aurantium widely available in The Mediterranean region by applying Soda-Anthraquinon (AQ) method. Chemical compositions of C. aurantium in addition to basic properties of papers were evaluated. The results showed that C. aurantium had higher holocellulose and alpha-cellulose content values of 81.1% and 48.84%, respectively. According to the chemical components of C. aurantium, the raw material has potential for pulp and paper production Then, pulps were produced with a Soda-Anthraquinon (AQ) method. The physical and optical properties of the pulps were determined and the effects of AQ were also investigated. Therefore, 4 different cooking experiments which added AQ in certain proportions were performed to C. aurantium woods. The best result in pulp yield was found 42.14% in 4th cooking experiment added 0.5% AQ. The physical and optical properties of the pulps were improved by increasing AQ addition. As a result C. aurantium woods can be used for pulp and paper production as a raw material.