abstract
The red algae, Gelidium corneum, was used to produce bleached pulp for papermaking and ethanol. Aqueous
extracts obtained at 100–140 C were subjected to saccharification, purification, fermentation, and
distillation to produce ethanol. The solid remnants were bleached with chlorine dioxide and peroxide
to make pulp. In the extraction process, sulfuric acid and sodium thiosulfate were added to increase
the extract yield and to improve de-polymerization of the extracts, as well as to generate high-quality
pulp. An extraction process incorporating 5% sodium thiosulfate by dry weight of the algae provided optimal
production conditions for the production of both strong pulp and a high ethanol yield. These results
suggest that it might be possible to utilize algae instead of trees and starch for pulp and ethanol production,
respectively.