Cellulose Chemistry and Technology

Title
Influence of operating conditions in sodium hydroxide and anthraquinone pulping on the morphology of cellulose fibers of tagasaste
Authors
ALFARO F. LOPEZ A. PEREZ J. C. GARCIA M. A. PELACH and P. MUTJE

Received September 11, 2012
Published Volume 47 Issue 9-10 October-December
Keywords tagasaste, soda anthraquinone pulping, fiber morphology

Abstract
This paper discusses the potential for improving paper characteristics by controlling fiber properties. To this end, we examined the most salient changes in tagasastefibers as a function of the operating conditions during their soda– anthraquinone cooking. Using high anthraquinone concentrations and medium cooking times provided paper with good strength-related properties. These operating conditions were compatible with those required to obtain the best values of the properties dependent on fiber morphology. Thus, obtaining the optimum fiber length would require to use short cooking times or medium times if a medium alkali concentration is used. A high anthraquinone concentration in combination with a high soda concentration and temperature would provide the best conditions for maximizing the number of fibers obtained. A high soda concentration additionally reduces coarseness and increases the number of fibers; also, medium and high temperatures avoid excessive curling and kinking, increase the number of fibers and decrease coarseness.