Delignification Kinetics of Trema orientalis (Nalita) in Kraft Pulping

Kraft pulping of Trema orientalis (Nalita) was studied in order to find kinetic data for delignification. Pulping runs were carried out in the temperature range of $160-180\;^{\circ}C$ under constant and well-defined conditions. The delignification was found to be first order with respect to residual lignin and was chemically controlled. The rate of delignification reaction was increased 1.11-1.23 for $10\;^{\circ}C$ temperature increase in the range of $160-180\;^{\circ}C$ range. A mean value of 93% of lignin was removed at the transition between bulk and residual delignification. The influence of cooking temperature on the rate constant was expressed by an Arrhenius-type equation. The obtained activation energy of the delignification reaction was 6,164 cal/mol. The transition point between bulk and residual phase was shifted to lower lignin and carbohydrate yield with the increase of temperature.