Utilization of Ecological Resources: Preparation and Application of Composite Paper Made from Mikania Micrantha and Waste Paper.

This study aims to explore the potential of using a blended pulp from Mikania micrantha (M. micrantha) and waste paper for producing composite paper. The effects of the mass ratio of M. micrantha stem to waste paper (MRMW), the beating time (BT), the water-to-pulp mass ratio (WPMR) and the times of pulp suspension screening (TPSS) on the paper's basic structural, optical and mechanical properties are investigated. It is found that MRMW primarily affects the grammage (mass per unit area), density, bulkness and whiteness; WPMR mainly affects the thickness and density; TPSS mainly affects the thickness and grammage. When MRMW is 3:7, the composite paper shows higher values for thickness, grammage, density and whiteness; whereas when MRMW is 7:3, these values are lower. Extending BT can increase paper density. The tensile strengths of all prepared samples fall in the range of 1.5 to 4.1 kN / m, indicating their excellent strength properties that meet the demands of many paper applications. The artistic bags and lampshades crafted from this composite paper exhibit a more natural texture compared to conventional packaging paper. This research demonstrates the feasibility of papermaking by using M. micrantha, while showcasing the potential for synergistic integration of waste resources with traditional hand papermaking techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]