Variation of Chemical and Morphological Properties of Different Parts of Prunus Amygdalus L. and Their Effects on Pulping

CHEMICAL and morphological of Prunus amygdalus L. characterization (shells and stems) were studied in order to assess their potentiality for chemical pulp. In this work, a simple, rapid and sensitive analytical method for the determination of monosaccharide composition in almond shells and stems polysaccharide was developed and validated. The soda-anthraquinone process was also applied in order to evaluate pulp properties. The effects of delignification and bleaching process were statistically investigated by employing response surface methodology. The isolated fibers were investigated and characterized using several techniques such as gel permeation chromatography, X-ray diffraction, morfi analyzer and scanning electron microscope. The obtained results can be considered as a potential source of cellulose for the production of cellulose derivatives, cellulose pulp for papermaking applications and natural fibres reinforced polymer composite.