Utilization of lemongrass and switchgrass in pulp and papermaking
1 Department of Polymer and Textile Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria.
2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Lagos State University, Epe campus, Lagos, Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2026, 10(01), 037-041.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2026.10.1.0099
Publication history:
Received on 02 November 2025; revised on 25 February 2026; accepted on 28 February 2026
Abstract:
The increasing demand for paper and concerns over deforestation has led to the exploration of non-wood fibres as alternative raw materials for papermaking. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a perennial warm-season bunchgrass native to North America, are promising alternatives to traditional wood-based pulp in paper manufacturing. This study examines the potential of these grasses by analyzing their fibre properties, processing conditions, and the quality of the resulting paper. A range of pulping techniques was employed to maximize fibre extraction and sheet formation. The findings reveal that specific ratios of lemongrass and switchgrass fibres produce paper with distinct properties, making them suitable for various applications, such as printing and packaging. The papers produced were of varying feel, appearance, lustre, and quality. This research highlights the importance of non-wood fibre sources in promoting environmentally sustainable paper production.
Keywords:
Lemongrass; Switchgrass; Non-wood fibres; Deforestation; Paper-making
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0