Evaluation of Refining Strategies for Combined use of Softwood and Eucalyptus Pulps in Papermaking

The paper discusses the combined use of softwood and eucalyptus kraft pulps in the production of printing and writing papers. Looking for process and paper quality optimization, refining pilot plant trails were carried to identify the effects of refining type (mixed or separate) and intensities (specific edge load), and also furnish composition (amount of each pulp in mixture) on final paper quality and process costs. The basic effects on pulp fibers were evaluated against paper quality properties, such as physical strengths, bulk, vessel picking, opacity and porosity, as well as the interactions with papermaking process, such as estimates of paper machine runnability, paper breaks and industrial refining control. The results show that the furnish composition and the type of refining has a significant effect on properties related with both final paper quality and total costs. The best alternative for printing and writing papers was identified for mixed refining, under the lowest refining intensity, and with the highest dosage of eucalyptus pulp.