Effect of electron beam irradiation on the properties of softwood unbleached kraft pulp

Abstract

Electron beam irradiation is also an eco-friendly treatment compared to other physical and chemical treatments. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the possibilities of energy savings by applying electron beam irradiation to the refining process. After softwood unbleached kraft pulp (UKP) was irradiated with electron beams at 50 and 100 kGy, it was beaten in a laboratory beater, and then its freeness and fiber properties were analyzed. The physical properties of their fiber handsheet were also and measured. As the irradiation dose of the electron beam and the beating time increased, lower freeness and fiber lengths of the UKP were observed. Handsheets made from UKP that was irradiated by electron beam and beaten showed a reciprocal relationship with the irradiation dose of the electron beam, in particular, the strength of the handsheets decreased dramatically at 100 kGy of irradiation. Therefore, it was confirmed that electron beam irradiation is effective in reducing the beating time or beating energy. But the irradiation dose must be controlled under 50 kGy to minimize the loss of paper strength.