Pyrolysis Characterization of Nepalese Handmade Paper
This study analyzed Nepalese handmade paper utilizing microscopic observation and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrom-etry(Py-GC/MS)techniques.Based on fiber characteristics and plant markers,the raw materials and manufacturing process of Nepalese handmade paper were investigated.The results showed that the three pieces of Nepalese handmade papers were mainly made of daphne fi-bers,and the fibers were cut off and weakly treated with alkali during the handmade process.The lignin basic structural unit of daphne fi-bers was mainly syringyl,and the characteristic compounds of terpenes and plant sterols included sitosterol,ergosterol,stigmasterol,and cholesterol,with the highest content of stigmasterol.Furthermore,pyrrole and its derivatives in the pyrolysis products of the Nepalese hand-made paper were detected,indicating that animal glue was appiled during the papermaking process.