Influence of fiber fractionation on kraft paper properties of European black pine and European aspen

Abstract

In this study, the kraft pulps of European black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) and European aspen (Populus tremula L.) were fractionated according to fiber length in a Bauer McNett classifier and effects of fiber fractionation on paper properties were investigated. Bauer McNett screens used for European black pine and European aspen were 16, 30, 50, and 100 mesh and 30, 50, 100, and 200 mesh, respectively. The handsheet surface of each fraction was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed that handsheet properties were statistically significantly affected by fiber fractionation. The effect of fiber fractionation on tensile and burst indices of handsheets depended on the wood species. However, tear index, apparent density, and surface roughness of handsheets showed similar trends in the two species.