Improving Aspen Kraft Pulp by A Novel, Low-Technology Fungal Pretreatment

Authors

  • Yi-ru Chen
  • Elmer L. Schmidt

Keywords:

Aspen, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, biopulping, paper properties

Abstract

This study investigated the biopulping agent Phanerochaete chrysosporium with a new process that required neither wood sterilization nor pure culture incubation conditions. Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux) chip bales with three treatments were studied. Each bale was kraft cooked after 8.5 weeks of pretreatment. The effects of fungal inoculation and foil-wrapping on pulp and paper strength properties were evaluated. Fungal pretreatment caused significantly faster response to beating as lower freeness was noted. Foil-wrapping retarded the loss of moisture within the bale, and as a result, prolonged fungal activities, resulting in substantial increases in burst strength. Tear was slightly increased, but there was no increase in tensile strength. In some bales, brightness of unbleached pulp was reduced. This study has shown that substantial improvements in certain paper properties and potential beating energy savings could be achieved through this compression/baling technique. Optimization of this system has the potential to provide a practical method of chip pretreatment for the pulp and paper industry.

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Published

2007-06-19

Issue

Number 2 / April 1995

Section

Research Contributions

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