Wood pulp

File:Wood pulp.jpg
Type	Cellulose
Properties	|-| | Density || |-| | Melting point || |-| | Boiling point || |-| | Thermal conductivity || |-| | Electrical resistivity ||
Uses	Paper, Textiles, Food additives
Discovered by	[[]]

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Wood pulp is a fibrous material derived from the cellulose of trees and is primarily used in the production of paper, textiles, and various other products. The process of creating wood pulp involves breaking down the fibrous structure of wood to separate the cellulose fibers from lignin and other components.

History

The use of wood pulp in papermaking dates back to the 19th century. Prior to this, paper was primarily made from rags and other plant fibers. The development of the mechanical pulping process in the 1840s marked a significant advancement, allowing for the mass production of paper.

Types of Wood Pulp

Wood pulp can be classified into several types based on the method of production:

Mechanical Pulp

Mechanical pulp is produced by grinding wood logs against a rotating stone or using refiners. This process retains most of the lignin, resulting in a pulp that is less durable and more prone to yellowing over time. It is commonly used for newsprint and other low-cost paper products.

Chemical Pulp

Chemical pulp is produced by cooking wood chips with chemicals to dissolve the lignin and separate the cellulose fibers. The two main types of chemical pulping are:

• Kraft Pulp: Uses sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide to break down the wood. It produces strong, durable paper and is the most common method of chemical pulping.
• Sulfite Pulp: Uses sulfurous acid and bisulfite ions. It produces a softer pulp and is used for specialty papers.

Semi-Chemical Pulp

Semi-chemical pulp combines mechanical and chemical processes. Wood chips are partially cooked with chemicals and then mechanically refined. This type of pulp is used for corrugated cardboard and other packaging materials.

Applications

Wood pulp is a versatile material with a wide range of applications:

• Paper: The primary use of wood pulp is in the production of various types of paper, including writing paper, printing paper, and packaging materials.
• Textiles: Wood pulp is used to produce viscose and rayon, which are synthetic fibers used in clothing and textiles.
• Food additives: Cellulose derived from wood pulp is used as a thickener and stabilizer in food products.

Environmental Impact

The production of wood pulp has significant environmental implications. It involves deforestation, water usage, and chemical pollution. Sustainable practices, such as using recycled paper and certified sustainable forestry, are important to mitigate these impacts.

Also see

• Paper recycling
• Cellulose
• Lignin
• Pulp and paper industry

External links

• Forest Products Association
• Pulp and Paper Technical Association