Chloroxylon coloratus, Handmade paper, Parthenium hysterophorus, Physical strength properties, Chloroxylon coloratus

Scarce availability and rising cost of traditionally used raw material like cotton hosiery waste has forced to search for alternate and cost effective cellulosic raw materials for sustainability and to improve its competitiveness. Bodha grass (Chloroxylon coloratus) and carrot grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) as lingo-cellulosic raw material were evaluated for pulping and physical strength to produce handmade paper and related products. The physico-chemical analysis of bodha grass and carrot grass indicated higher content of cellulose (77.78%) and lower contents of lignin (16%). The pulp produced by cold soda prosess was of poor quality and was not found suitable for hand madepaper making. Pulp of good strength properties was obtained by hot soda and alkaline peroxide process. Blending of bodha grass and Parthenium pulp in diferent ratio (20 to 40%) with hosiery waste pulp resulted good strength properties in respect of tensile index 20-34.5 (Nm/gm), tear index (13-25.00 mN.m2/gm) and burst index (1.9-3.0 kPa. m2/gm) making it suitable for producing an affordable quality of handmade paper. The possibility of utilization of these weed species to produce handmade paper may provide an opportunity for employment generation and income enhancement among the rural masses and helping in conservation of natural resources