Technology Information  Title New Pulping Process for Corn Stalk and Other Nonwood Materials Manager Kelly Sexton Case Number 00013 Abstract NCSU is seeking an industry partner to commercialize a novel pulping process for the production of paper products from corn stover. This technology is protected in US Patent No. 6,302,997. Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a process for converting nonwood raw materials such as corn stover and wheat straw into clean, bright, strong, and free-draining pulps suitable for papermaking. The process is simple in nature, using only a few process steps at mild conditions. With moderate chemical charges, lower water utilization, and high filtrate recycle, the process is more environmentally benign than traditional nonwood pulping processes. This technology has the potential to synergize with the emerging ethanol production industry as a way to generate a valuable commodity from a waste product. Advantages Able to use whole corn stover (stalks, leaves, husks) without any type of mechanical or chemical depithing. Requires only low to moderate dosages of inexpensive, readily available chemicals. Mild process conditions and minimum process steps mean lower capital and operating costs. Easily produces pulps over a wide range of purity and brightness. Total process yield of 35-40% on corn stalk, equal to or better than total yield values for harsher and more costly pulping and bleaching processes. About Inventor Medwick V. Byrd, Jr. obtained his M.S. in Wood and Paper Science from NCSU in 1986. Following four years as a cellulose engineer in private sector, Mr. Byrd joined the Department of Wood and Paper Science at NCSU. In 1992 Mr. Byrd became the Director of Applied Research in the Department of Wood and Paper Science. Mr. Byrd is a member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. Taxonomy NCSU Technology Categories/Agriculture NCSU Technology Categories/Paper/Agriculture Keywords Pulping Process, Papermaking  Web Links  Name Open Link US Patent No. 6,302,997 Open Link Request Information If you are a registered user, please login before requesting information by clicking the Login button. If you have not registered, click the Login button for registration information.