New methods to improve pulp properties

Although there exists an implied link between paper and wood properties, little is known on the effects of specific wood parameters on the properties of the resulting mechanical pulp. The EUROFIBER project, aimed at increasing competitiveness of the European pulp and paper industry, set out to examine these links and create models for the prediction of paper properties.

Industrial Technologies

French-based AFOCEL developed a laboratory refiner for the processing of small wood samples as part of its efforts to study the relationship between forest, wood and pulp properties. A total of 450 Norway spruce samples from four European countries were collected, covering a range of growth conditions and tree ages. The sampling regions were selected based on their proximity to existing mills in order to facilitate future industrial applications and relevance of obtained data. Samples were analysed and subsequently refined. The pulp was further characterised and the emerging data showed large variations in pulp properties within and among trees, indicating strong links between tree and pulp attributes. All these results formed the basis of statistical models created to accurately predict pulp properties based on tree parameters. The aim was to use these multiplicative models to improve paper quality by selecting the best set of tree parameters positively affecting pulp properties. The technology could have a significant impact on the European pulp and paper industry, allowing mills to pre-select the most suitable tree samples for processing. AFOCEL is seeking industrial partners to collaborate on the application of these models intending to further the technology.