Identification of Cellulosic Fiberfines Properties in Kraft, Chemical Mechanical, and Recycled Pulps

Abstract

Cellulosic fines are essential parts of paper making system which impart remarkable effects on the production process parameters and the quality of final product. In this study, properties of fiberfines prepared from three kinds of pulps including Kraft, chemical mechanical (CMP), and recycled (OCC) were investigated. Required amounts of fines were prepared using Valley Beater apparatus. Then the fines were classified into three categories using dynamic drainage Jar (DDJ): fines passing a 100 mesh remained on 200 mesh (P100/R200), fines passing a 200 mesh remained on a 325 mesh (P200/R325), and fines passing a 325 mesh (P325). Fines properties including dimensional size, special hydrodynamic volume, colloidal charge, alkalinity, turbidity, viscosity, and specific area were examined. The results revealed that PH of fiber suspensions tended alkaline concurrently to the decreasing in dimensional size of fines. Additionally, the colloidal charge of the three types of fines, especially the charge associated with the fines passed through 200 mesh screen and remained on 325 mesh one, showed a different behaviour compared to those in the same classes with the adverse trend to the viscosity variation. Special hydrodynamic volume is consistent with the dimensional size and dimensional ratio with the lowest amount of it observed in the recycled pulp fines. Turbidity has a direct relationship with particles size, homogenous distribution and the specific area of the finesThe results of turbidity related to the fines passed through 200 mesh size showed different behaviour compared to other categories.

Keywords

• Fiber fines
• Aspect ratio
• Hydrodynamic specific volume
• Colloidal charge
• Specific surface area