ABSTRACK

TUTI MAULIDA. 2026. “Utilization of Oil Palm Plantation Waste (Elaeis guineensis Jack) as Raw Material for Pulp and Paper Using the Soda Method.” Thesis. Master Program in Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat. Supervisors: Wiwin Tyas Istikowati, S. Hut., M.Sc., Ph.D., and Dr. Adi Rahmadi, S. Hut., M.P.

Keywords: Oil Palm Frond, Pulp, Paper, Soda Pulping, Fiber Anatomy, Wood Chemistry.

The utilization of oil palm frond waste (Elaeis guineensis Jack) as raw material for pulp and paper is a promising alternative for non-wood lignocellulosic resources. This research aims to analyze the anatomical and chemical characteristics of oil palm fronds and to determine the effect of cooking time and soda concentration on the quality of the resulting pulp. The soda pulping process was conducted using 10% NaOH with three cooking durations (1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours) and four levels of kaolin addition (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%) in sheet formation. Chemical analyses included moisture content, extractives, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and holocellulose. Anatomical characteristics observed were fiber length, fiber diameter, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness. The pulp quality was evaluated based on yield and paper physical properties, namely tensile strength, tear strength, and burst strength. The results indicate that oil palm fronds possess suitable anatomical and chemical properties for non-wood pulp production. Cooking time significantly affected pulp yield and delignification, with longer cooking periods reducing yield but improving fiber separation. Kaolin addition influenced paper smoothness and opacity. Overall, oil palm fronds have strong potential as an alternative raw material for environmentally friendly non-wood pulp and paper industries due to their adequate fiber structure and favorable response to soda pulping.