Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the potential application of the separated refining system in the papermaking process using cotton pulps. The cotton staple and linter fibers were expected to show a great difference in their refining responses due to their morphological and physical differences. Experiments were conducted to examine the differences in flocculation tendency, CED viscosity, fiber length, handsheet properties and the SEM surface images between staple and linter fibers at a given refining degree. These fibers were also subjected to separated refining in a laboratory-scale beater and in a mill-scale refiner as well. The effect of the separated refining on the refining rates and papermaking properties were evaluated. Results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Fiber flocculation tendency of cotton staple was estimated to be significantly greater than that of linter fibers; 2. The staple fibers showed higher cellulose DP, longer fiber length and higher sheet strength at a given refining degree compared to linter fibers, but remarkably slower refining rate was observed; 3. The separated refining system exhibited a significant increase in sheet strengths, especiauy in folding endurance, with an increase in the fibrillation on the surface of staple fibers, but slightly lower or comparable fiber length after refining to the mixed refining system; 4. Similar results were also obtained from the machine trial in which about 7-8% energy saving effects were achived in the separated refining system. On the basis of the results observed in this study, it was concluded that a significant increase in paper strength and a substantial reduction in refining energy consumption could be achieved using the separated refining system for the cotton staple and linter fiber stock refining.