Utilization of Aquatic Species in Paper

摘要

Aquatic species, i.e., micro- and macroalgae, contain cellulosic materials potentially suitable for paper making. Aquatic plants have significant advantages over terrestrial plants in containing little to no lignin and rapid growth rates. The absence of lignin means minimal processing is required to make material suitable for paper processing. Both micro and macro algae may have potential as a source of paper making materials. There are several species of macro algae that possess cellulose in quantities greater than 10 % of total dry weight. Cellulosic fibers can be isolated from these species and used for making paper. An additional source of aquatic material for papermaking comes from micro algae used to produce algal oil. Algae biomeal, material left after extraction of lipids from microalgae has potential to replace traditional inorganic fillers as a low cost fiber substitute. This report will discuss the potential of two aquatic materials as sustainable replacements for wood fiber in paper products. Specifically, Spirulina microalgae and fibers isolated from red algae species of the Gelidium genus were investigated. Both materials were used to make tissue products and found to be suitable for replacement of wood based fibers and inorganic fillers.