Chemimechanical pulping of New Zealand grown poplar clone I-214

The papermaking potential of mechanical pulps produced from Nerv Zealand grown poplar clone I-214 has been evaluated. The response of this poplar clone to a range of alkaline and alkaline peroxide liquor applications is discussed for the refiner-based chemimechanical pulping process. A comparison of the strength and optical properties of chemimechanical pulps and groundwood pulps is also presented. Cold caustic soda pulps (CCS) produced with alkali applications in the range 3 to 8%, have excellent strength properties and a low energy demand relative to radiata pine mechanical pulps. The CCS pulps, however; had relatively low brightness and light scattering coefficient. In contrast, alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping, stone groundwood and pressure groundwood produced pulps with high bulk, moderate strength properties and excellent optical properties.