Thermomechanical Pulp Properties of White Birch

Authors

  • Zohan Koran

Keywords:

Thermomechanical pulp (TMP), balsam-fur, spruce, white birch, fiber length, sheet density, paper strength, opacity, burst index, breaking length, tear index, Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF)

Abstract

Handsheet properties of an experimental white birch thermomechanical pulp (TMP) were evaluated in terms of fiber length and were compared with those of a standard spruce/fir newsprint furnish. These properties, including Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF), sheet density, tear resistance, tensile strength, scattering coefficient, opacity, and brightness, were found to increase with a decrease in fiber length as a result of refining. The increase in sheet strength can be attributed to the improvement in fiber bonding.

With respect to the species differences, the birch TMP yields significantly lower strength properties than does the spruce/fir furnish. These reductions are attributed to the morphological differences between softwoods and hardwoods. It is hoped that this analysis will contribute towards a more efficient utilization of low-grade hardwoods in high-yield products, including paper, paperboard, insulation board, and possibly for hardboard.

References

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Published

2007-06-19

Issue

Number 2 / April 1995

Section

Research Contributions

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