Thermomechanical pulping of novel Brazilian Eucalyptus hybrids

Abstract

Abstract:The importance of Eucalyptus wood as a sustainable resource is well established. Mechanical pulp production is an energy-intensive process, and methods for decreasing energy demand are needed. In the present article, the structure of Eucalyptus hybrids and the produced pulps from the hybrids were assessed in terms of energy consumption, technical properties, and fiber morphology. The defibration and fiber development were investigated by traditional thermomechanical pulping in laboratory scale. There was no clear difference in the extent of defibration and fibrillation among the hybrids, with the exception of one hybrid (U2xGL1). Guaiacyl lignin contents of more than 7.2 % had a minor influence on energy consumption, and this finding is different from the results of previous studies on chemimechanical pulping processes. However, a low amount of guaiacyl lignin (6.1 % based on wood) decreased the energy demand. This assessment is of major importance concerning the energysaving defibration during thermomechanical pulping production.

Development of Raw Materials and Technology for Pulping—A Brief Review

“…Wood remains the primary raw material in the pulping industry [21]. However, several non-wood raw materials, such as hemp, wheat straw, cotton, bagasse, corn, and straw, can also serve as cellulose sources.…”