Partially Substituting MgO for NaOH as the Alkali Source in the Second-Stage Impregnation of Triploid Poplar P-RC APMP

Abstract

In the conventional preconditioning followed by refiner chemical treatment, alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (P-RC APMP) process, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used as the alkali source. In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) was used to partially substitute for NaOH as the alkali source (substitution ratio of up to 50%) in the second-stage impregnation of the triploid poplar P-RC APMP process. The changes in pH values of the residual bleaching liquor, yields, and chemical components of the treated wood chips in the second-stage impregnation and also the physical properties of the resultant P-RC APMP pulps with and without MgO substitution were investigated to explore the potential advantages of the process. The results showed that the partial MgO substitution for NaOH resulted in a lower pH of residual bleaching liquor and a higher treated wood chips yield than those of the NaOH-based process. In addition, the dissolution of benzene alcohol extractives, lignin, pentosans, and carbohydrates were all decreased. The resultantly yielded P-RC APMP pulp has a higher bulk, opacity, and light-scattering coefficient, but lower strength properties and a slightly lower brightness.