Sulphite pulping of non-wood herbaceous test species Datura stramonium stalks collected from outskirts of Srinagar city of Jammu and Kashmir was investigated for pulp and paper production. Proximate analysis, chemical characterisation of black and wash liquor and strength properties of paper of Datura stramonium paper was investigated. The findings revealed that Ash, Lignin, Hot water solubility, 10% NaOH solubility, Alcohol-benzene solubility and Holocellulose content of Datura stramonium stalk dust were found of the order of 9.57, 15.79, 18.29, 35.34, 11.66 and 66.55 per cent respectively. Chemical analysis include pH, total solids, chemical oxygen demand and color which were recorded 7.86, 3.84%, 50483 ppm and 34688 PCU respectively for black liquor, while as for wash liquor the respective values were recorded 7.69, 0.49%, 28562ppm and 10922 PCU. Characteristic strength properties of paper sheets obtained by 8% sulphite pulping of 60 gsm were as tensile strength (43.56 Nm/g), tear index (5.51 mN.m /g), burst index (2.52 kPa m2/g) and double fold number (373). Analogous values for papers where no chemical (control) was added were 12.95 Nm/g, 1.9 mN. m2 /g, 0.09 kPa. m2 /g and 12 respectively. The findings of overall results showed higher cellulosic pulp at 8% sulphite condition, low ash and lignin content makes it suitable alternative to woody plants for healthier grades of paper and board products.
