http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/agriculture/ Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
Turk J Agric For (2019) 43: 184-191 © TÜBİTAK doi:10.3906/tar-1605-46
Research Article
Influence of fiber fractionation on kraft paper properties of European black pine and European aspen
Sezgin Koray GÜLSOY* B , Ayben KILIÇ PEKGÖZLÜ B Department of Forest Products Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, Bartın University, Bartın, Turkey
Received: 11.05.2016
Accepted/Published Online: 09.12.2018
Final Version: 01.04.2019
Abstract: In this study, the kraft pulps of European black pine ( Pinus nigra Arn.) and European aspen ( Populus tremula L.) were fractionated according to fiber length in a Bauer McNett classifier and effects of fiber fractionation on paper properties were investigated. Bauer McNett screens used for European black pine and European aspen were 16, 30, 50, and 100 mesh and 30, 50, 100, and 200 mesh, respectively. The handsheet surface of each fraction was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed that handsheet properties were statistically significantly affected by fiber fractionation. The effect of fiber fractionation on tensile and burst indices of handsheets depended on the wood species. However, tear index, apparent density, and surface roughness of handsheets showed similar trends in the two species. Key words: Bauer McNett, European aspen, European black pine, fiber fractionation, paper properties
1. Introduction Fiber dimensions have a remarkable influence on the papermaking potential of pulp. The paper properties (strength, surface roughness, porosity, density, etc.) are significantly affected by fiber length, fiber width, cell wall thickness, fiber flexibility, and fiber collapsibility (Pulkkinen et al., 2006). Hardwood fibers have been generally used to achieve good surface properties, while softwood fibers are used for high strength. Therefore, fiber sources used in pulp mill have been appropriately selected according to the quality requirements of the final product. Fiber fractionation means separation of mixed fibers into two or more parts based on properties such as length, flexibility, and coarseness (Gooding and Olson, 2001; Sood et al., 2005). In mill scale, pulp can be fractionated in hydrocyclones, or in pressure screens using slotted or holed screen plates/baskets (Asikainen et al., 2010). However, Bauer McNett or Clark fiber classifiers are used in the laboratory. The traditional approach in fiber preparation is to use the fibers collectively without fractionating them. Although this approach facilitates the process design, it ignores the opportunity to use the natural advantages of the individual fiber fractions (Gooding and Olson, 2001). On the other hand, fractionation of pulp furnish offers the potential to produce customer-valued products from fiber sources. Thus, papermakers can produce paper with optimum properties for specific applications by controlling
process variables such as the refining conditions, use of additives, and dewatering conditions at the wet end (Sood et al., 2005; Azizi Mossello et al., 2010b). Abubakr et al. (1995) in recycled fiber, Demuner (1999) in bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp, Reyier (2008) in Norway spruce ( Picea abies ), and Hafrén et al. (2014) in mixed softwood (lodgepole pine, Sitka spruce, Western balsam fir) studied the effects of fiber fractionation on paper properties. Huang et al. (2012) investigated the fiber morphology of each fraction after fiber fractionation of Jack pine ( Pinus banksiama ) thermomechanical pulp. However, there are no published data related to effects of fiber fractionation on paper properties of European black pine ( Pinus nigra Arn.) and European aspen ( Populus tremula L.). In this scope, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of fiber fractionation on handsheet properties of European black pine and European aspen. 2. Materials and methods The wood samples of European black pine and European aspen were obtained from Bartın Province in Turkey. They were debarked and chipped into approximately 3.0–1.5– 0.5 cm in size. Chips were air-dried and stored with less than 10% moisture content until used. Table 1 shows the kraft pulping conditions of European black pine and European aspen. Kraft pulping was done in an electrically heated laboratory cylindrical type rotary
* Correspondence: szgngulsoy@yahoo.com
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