Production of microfibrillated cellulose from unbleached kraft pulp of Kenaf and Scotch Pine and its effect on the properties of hardwood kraft: microfibrillated cellulose paper

Abstract

This work investigated the effect of using Kenaf bast fibre kraft pulps compared to Scotch Pine kraft pulps for producing microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and its employment for improving mechanical and physical properties of handsheets made from unbleached kraft hardwood pulp. It was shown that MFC based on Kenaf fibres can be produced at higher consistencies [>5 % (w/w)] compared to when Scotch Pine is employed [≈2 % (w/w)] as raw material. The possibility of using a higher consistency when processing Kenaf is beneficial for the processing in microfluidizers. The rheological properties of the products were shown to be consistent with what is known for MFC-based systems. The studies indicate that the mechanical properties of handsheets from unbleached kraft hardwood pulp can be improved by replacing part of the unbleached kraft hardwood pulp fibres with either unbleached kraft Kenaf pulp or unbleached Scotch Pine kraft pulp. However, the same levels of improvements were obtained when using only a small amount [≈6 % (w/w)] of MFC based on Kenaf or Scotch Pine, when introduced into the system either as a dry strength additive or by coating pre-made handsheets. Finally, it was shown that the incorporation of MFC in handsheets decreases the air-permeability; this effect became amplified when the MFC was applied as a coating onto the handsheets.