Characterization of Chemi-thermomechanical Pulping Using Mixed Wood Chips from Pinewood Nematode-Infected Forests

Abstract

The study compared the properties of CTMP prepared from pine chips and mixed chips sourced from clear-cut forests in nematode-infested areas in Korea. Key findings include that pine chips required higher refining energy and exhibited lower stock throughput, indicating greater processing difficulty compared to mixed chips. CTMP from mixed chips showed slightly longer fiber length and lower fines content post-refining, suggesting better refining efficiency. No significant difference in shive contents was observed between the two CTMP sources, indicating similar effectiveness in fiber separation. CTMP from mixed chips exhibited better bulk, enhancing the absorbency and softness of the final paper products, and higher tensile strength, making it suitable for durable paper applications. Tear strength was comparable between the two sources, despite slight fiber length differences. Both CTMP types showed no significant difference in optical properties, ensuring consistent visual quality. Additionally, lower pitch number and area in CTMP from mixed chips improved pulp cleanliness and processing efficiency. Overall, mixed chips from nematode-infested mountains in Korea provide significant advantages in energy efficiency, fiber quality, and pitch content, making them valuable raw materials for CTMP production. It can be emphasized that the use of these mixed chips can enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of the pulp and paper industry in Korea