MCQ Detailed View

Paper pulp is the main raw material used in the paper-making industry. It is prepared by mechanically or chemically processing woody plant materials that are rich in cellulose fibers. These fibers are essential for producing strong, durable sheets of paper.

Among the options given:

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  Cotton is a soft fiber obtained from cotton plants. Although high-quality papers (like currency notes or fine writing paper) can be made from cotton fibers, it is not commonly used on a large scale because of its high cost compared to wood.

  
  


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  Bagasse is the fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane stalks. It is used for producing some eco-friendly paper, but it is a by-product and not the main woody source globally.

  
  


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  Rice straw consists of the stems of harvested rice plants. It is used in some regions for low-quality paper, but its fiber is short and less durable than wood fibers.

  
  

Poplar, on the other hand, is a fast-growing hardwood tree extensively cultivated for paper production. Its wood contains long cellulose fibers that are ideal for making paper pulp. Poplar trees are light in weight, easy to process, and provide high-quality pulp at an economical cost. They are widely grown in temperate regions as a renewable resource for the paper industry.During pulp manufacturing, poplar wood is chopped into chips, treated with chemicals or heat to break down lignin (the natural binder in wood), and separated into fibers. These fibers are then washed, bleached, and processed into paper products.

Hence, Poplar wood is the primary woody raw material used in the manufacture of paper pulp due to its abundant cellulose content, ease of processing, and high-quality fiber output.