Kraft pulps

A cross-sectional view of kenaf is shown in Figure 3d. The ultimate cells are nearly cylindrical with thick cell walls. Kenaf fibers are shorter and coarser than those of jute. Both chemical (kraft) and mechanical pulps have been produced from kenaf, and successful demonstration mns of newsprint have been made for the Dallas Morning Nem, the St. Petersburg Times, and the Bakersfield Californian with a furnish of 82% kenaf chemithermomechanical pulp and 18% softwood kraft pulp. Kenaf fiber is also considered a substitute for jute and used in sacking, rope, twine, bags, and as papermaking pulp in India, Thailand, and the former Yugoslavia. RoseUe bleached pulp is marketed in Thailand. 

Fig. 3. Reactions at the quinonemethide center during pulping (a) sulfite pulping, and (b) kraft pulping.

Salts, eg, alum or calcium chloride [10043-52-4] and cationic polyacrylamides are effective retention aids in bleached and unbleached kraft pulp. 

Fig. 4. (a) Photomicrograph of Douglas fir kraft pulp (b) electron micrograph of Douglas fir pulp collapsed into paper. 

Sulfite pulps have properties that are desirable for tissues and top quaHty, fine papers. Because sulfite pulping is not as versatile as kraft pulping, various options have been developed, and the choice of a specific process is dependent on individual mill situations. The unbleached pulp has high (60+) brightness compared to kraft pulp and is easily bleached. However, it is limited to select wood species. The heartwood of pine, Douglas fir, and cedars are not easily pulped. Additionally, pulps produced from hardwood have limited economic value because of low strength. 

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