PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ALPHA CELLULOSE FROM PRICKLY PEAR FRUIT ('TUNA') PEEL AND PRICKLY PEAR FLESHY LEAF.

摘要

The present invention discloses a process for producing a subproduct from prickly pear fruit ("tuna") peel, which may have many applications. Alpha cellulose production from "tuna" peel is an interesting alternative for the exploitation of this subproduct. The process comprises the following steps: a) cutting "tuna" peel in the direction of cellulose fibers so that small pieces having a width of from 3.5 to 4.0 cm are obtained; b) drying said pieces of "tuna" peel at 70 degree C, to subsequently digest said dry peel at room temperature in a calcium sulfite solution, said process lasting a period of about 5 hours; c) heating the mixture at a temperature of up to 70 degree C for 2 hours; d) finally increasing the temperature to 100 degree C, said temperature being maintained for a period of 3 hours or more. The Boiling liquor is decanted and cellulose fibers are mechanically separated, the product thus obtained can be subjected to different treatments according to the desired use.