Investigation of molded fiber packaging properties which areproduced with wheat (Tricitum aestivum) straw pulps

Within the scope of the study, pulp and paper samples were produced from wheat (Triticum aestivum) straw raw material by chemical mechanical method. The pulp and paper properties obtained were determined. It is aimed to develop and determine the properties of molded fiber packaging (MFP) prototypes by mixing the optimized chemical mechanical wheat straw pulp with waste paper pulp at different rates. In the production of chemical mechanical pulp from wheat straw, trial productions were made with 3 different cooking conditions, and the properties of the pulp and paper produced from this pulp were determined by treating the obtained cooked wheat straw in the refinery. According to pulp properties, pulp yield and paper properties, 7% NaOH, 120°C and 60 minutes were determined as the optimum chemical mechanical wheat straw pulp condition. In these cooking conditions, the total pulp yield was 61.2%, the weighted average fiber length was 0.813 mm, and the fine content was 14.3%. The compression strength index of MFP produced from 100% chemical mechanical wheat straw was determined as 35.99 N/g, while the compression strength index of KSA produced from 100% waste paper was determined as 48.64 N/g. In addition, the papers obtained from wheat straw by chemical mechanical method were tested for compliance with the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Substances and Materials in Contact with Food, and it was determined that all results were within the limits. In line with the results obtained, the production of pulp and MFP from wheat straw by chemical mechanical method promises to develop products with high added value from natural resources.