Identification of preferential pathways in the pore microstructure of metallurgical coke and links to anisotropic strength properties

Tension wood (TW) is an abnormal tissue of hardwood trees; although it has been isolated from most parts of the tree, it is frequently found on the upper side of branches and leaning stems. TW has been classically associated with geotropic alignment, but more recently it has been associated with fast growth. Paper made from TW is generally lower in strength properties. Consequently, the paper industries' growing dependence on fast growing, short- rotation trees will result in higher amounts of TW in the final product and a corresponding reduction in strength.Relatively few studies have dealt with the role of TW in the structure of paper. It was suggested that the lower strength properties of TW were due to a combination of factors, namely, its unique morphology, compression failures in the cell wall, and lower hemicellulose content. Central to the unique morphology of the TW fiber is the thick gelatinous layer (G-layer) composed almost entirely of pure cellulose.

Agricultural residues and energy crops are promising resources that can be utilized in the pulp and paper industry. This study examines the potential of co-cooking nonwood materials with hardwoods as means to incorporate nonwood material into a paper furnish. Specifically, miscanthus, switchgrass, and corn stover were substituted for poplar hardwood chips in the amounts of 10 wt %, 20 wt %, and 30 wt %, and the blends were subjected to kraft pulping experiments. The pulps were then bleached with an OD(EP)D sequence and then refined and formed into handsheets to characterize their physical properties. Surprisingly, all three co-cooked pulps showed improved strength properties (up to 35%). Sugar measurement of the pulps by high-performance liquid chromatography suggested that the strength increase correlated with enriched xylan content.

Eucalyptus dunii has been commercially used in southern Brazil because of its relatively good frost tolerance and adequate productivity in the winter months. More recently, interest has grown in cultivating Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage, which presents even superior frost tolerance compared to E. dunii and is highly productive as well. The quality of E. benthamii for pulp production is not yet proven. Thus, the chemical, anatomical, and technological aspects of pulp made from E. benthamii were compared with those of E. dunii for unbleached paper production. Samples of E. benthamii chips were obtained and analyzed for their basic density, chemical composition, higher heating value, trace elemental analysis, and chip size distribution. The chips were kraft cooked using conditions that produced a 74 ± 6 kappa number. The pulps were characterized for kappa number, yield, viscosity, and morphologic characteristics (e.g., length, wall thickness, and coarseness). Black liquor was analyzed for total solids, organics, inorganics, sodium sulfide, sodium hydroxide, and sodium carbonate. Brownstocks were beaten at five different energy levels in a Valley beater, and the physical strength properties of 120 g/m² handsheets were measured to develop a beater curve. The results of this study showed differences in delignification between the two woods and lower pulp yield for E. benthamii , which are related to their chemical compositions and basic densities. The E. benthamii studied in this work exhibited higher amounts of lignin and extractives, lower carbohydrate content, and lower basic density. However, cooking a blend of the two woods afforded good results in pulping and in physical pulp properties.

Pilot data indicate that wood chip pretreatment with oxalic acid reduced the specific energy required to make thermomechanical pulp. A combined oxalic acid/bisulfite treatment resulted in 21% refiner energy savings and 13% increase in brightness for aspen. A low level of oxalic acid treatment was effective for spruce. Energy savings of 30% was observed with no significant change in strength properties. Adding bisulfite did not significantly increase the brightness of the spruce pulp. For pine, the optimum treatment was a moderate level of oxalic acid, which resulted in 34% energy savings and an increase in strength properties. For all of these treatments 1–3 w/w % carbohydrates were recovered, which can be fermented to produce ethanol. The extract sugar solution contained significant quantities of arabinose.