Changes in Fiber Characteristics by Low Concentration Sodium Hydroxide Swelling and Beating

Abstract

In this study, effects of alkali swelling at low concentration below 2 percent on properties of hardwood bleached kraft pulp (HwBKP) were elucidated. Swelling treatment of HwBKP was performed at various NaOH concentrations with/without beating. Then, the swelling characteristics of pulp fiber was evaluated by measuring the solvent retention values such as water retention value (WRV) and isopropyl alcohol retention value (LRV). It was found that fiber characteristics were influenced by NaOH swelling even at low alkali concentration and beating treatment as well. The values of WRV and LRV were decreased when the alkali concentration was increased. It is the result from the decreased acidic groups of pulp which were formed during beating. The acidic groups could be neutralized and then removed by alkali. The difference between WRV and LRV was decreased with increasing alkali concentration while the difference was increased when the alkali swollen pulp was beaten. In addition, the crystalline structure of HwBKP was almost not changed while the crystallinity was influenced by swelling treatment at a low alkali concentration.