A Pulpability and Bleachability Study of Tissue Hardwood Species from Wisconsin
Jacob Ramirez Paper Science and Chemical Engineering
Max Steinfeldt Paper Science and Chemical Engineering
Wisconsin has been the leading paper-producing state since the 1950s; this has been a vital part of Wisconsin’s economy. In recent decades, the paper industry has been migrating to the South. This has had a negative impact on Wisconsin’s economy. Along with this transition, the tissue industry has become reliant on eucalyptus, with all the necessary pulp being imported. This reliance is not sustainable with environmental reliance and manufacturing security in mind. Kraft pulping is the primary pulping method for tissue products. Hardwood species provide an excellent combination of cost and functional performance. This study tests the pulpability and bleachability of Soft Maple, Hard Maple, Black Ash, and Red Oak, four common Wisconsin species, all of which have abundant inventory. Various cooking and bleaching recipes were tested to determine the most efficient wood species and chemical dosage for pulp manufacturing. Several process properties, such as Kappa number, pulp viscosity, and optical properties, were tested using standardized testing methods to assess the viability of these wood species. The outcomes of this study aim to promote domestic natural resources in a rapidly growing paper segment, tissue products.
Advisors: Roland Gong, Ph.D.
Subject Area: Paper Science
Type: Poster
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Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium
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