Morphological Differences between Virgin and Secondary Fibers

Abstract

The properties of the fibers determine the quality of the pulp and, thus, the quality of the paper made from it. Recognition of properties, which fiber and paper pulp should be characterized by, in order to achieve required paper properties, is, therefore, a subject of research and interest of many papermaking research experts and scientists. Fibers are subject to deformation and possible weakening under the influence of chemical and mechanical factors, and therefore the quality of the fibers decreases each time they are used in production when it comes to recycled pulps. Then again, the key factor determining the quality of the primary fiber is the degree of pulp delignification. In the article, an attempt was made to define the impact of delignification of virgin pulp on morphological properties of fibers, and compare them with the properties of recycled paper pulp, in order to find correlations. The current economic and raw material situations in the wood market force one to seek new solutions to limit the use of virgin fibers, which is extremely important for the economy of the paper mill, environmental protection and raw material management.