PHILIPPINE FIBERS AND FIBROUS SUBSTANCES. 253 



vestigation, that its commercial use as a source of pulp for paper making might 

 be ascertained. 



The object of the present report is to draw attention to the importance and 

 value of this grass as a pulp-producing material, and to indicate its chief 

 characteristics and economic value. 



The sample was a pale buff color, lustrous in appearance and of fair strength, 

 of the order Grammes. 



The chemical examination furnished the following results, the percentages 

 other than that of moisture being expressed on the dry material : 



Moisture 13.21 



Ash : 4.14 



Loss on L. hydrolysis 10.76 



Loss on B. hydrolysis 40.65 



Loss on mercerisation 31.62 



Loss on acid purification 0.95 



Gain on nitration 21.19 



Cellulose 47.41 



Length of ultimate fiber (mm.) 1.20 



The ultimate fiber obtained from this grass is very similar in most respects 

 to esparto ; the yield of bleached fiber being about the same. This is a favorable 

 indication, inasmuch as "esparto" is one of the best known and most useful 

 sources of supply to the trade. The fibers as seen under the microscope are 

 jBhort, smooth, cylindrical, fairly uniform in diameter, gradually tapering to 

 rounded extremities; they also occur together in little bundles.. The* pulp will 

 be found to contain a number of small euticular cells which, however, do not 

 show in the finished paper. The fibers are stained a pale yellow with iodine 

 solution, which fades more rapidly than is usual with colored pulps. 



The results obtained from the chemical analysis show that the grass is capable 

 of yielding a good quality of cellulose, suitable in every way for the manufac- 

 ture of paper. Although the grass is very susceptible to the action of dilute 

 alkalis, the final product is exceptionally pure and readily resolved. 



From observations noted during this preliminary examination, the following 

 scheme was adopted for the production of the pulp on a larger scale. 



PKOCESS. 



The available grass in its natural condition weighing 400 grams (14.1 ounces) 

 was in a clean state, and required little treatment beyond cutting into small 

 pieces ready for boiling. It is usually necessary on a large scale to pass the 

 material through some type of cleaner to remove dirt and adventitious matter. 

 The grass was then thoroughly wetted and soaked until it became soft and 

 pliable. It was placed in a boiler of the spherical type, covered with water and 

 digested with caustic soda corresponding to 15 per cent on the grass treated 

 for a period of ten hours under a pressure which was kept constant at 4 atmos- 

 pheres; an even temperature about 135° C. being maintained. 



Owing to the quantity of material at our disposal being somewhat limited, 

 it was only possible to conduct one experiment, consequently a good margin 

 in the use of caustic and degre'e of general treatment was allowed. 



The pulp obtained after washing was of good uniform quality and color. The 

 yield agreed very closely and was only slightly higher than the preliminary 

 chemical analysis showed, which indicates complete reaction in the digester. 



The pulp was carefully beaten for about an hour and at the same time bleached, 

 chloride of lime being used for the purpose: 10 parts of dry powder being 

 used per 100 parts of pulp. 



