Red Algae Pulp and Its Use in Papermaking

Red algae were used to make bleached pulp, from which paper handsheet samples were made. Red algae consists of rhizoidal filaments, epidermal tissues whose color were reddish, mucous carbohydrates, and other minor elements. Rhizoidal filaments of high brightness were obtained after extracting out mucous carbohydrates, and bleaching the remainder by using bleaching chemicals. The sizes and shapes of several rhizoidal filaments (or red algae pulp) from different red algae species were examined, and their handsheet properties were compared. Transparent and transluscent high density paper samples were made without applying refining process from the red algae pulp. White paper samples with good printability and excellent formation were made. We are developing pilot scale pulping and papermaking facilities at this time.