Work

A More Environmentally Friendly Method for Pulp Processing Using DES-like Mixtures: Comparison of Physical Properties with Oxygen Bleached Pulp

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The traditional papermaking process uses petroleum-based additives, which raise environmental concerns. As a result, these concerns have attracted the scientific community to explore green additives by introducing environmentally friendly cellulose modifications as additives to the papermaking process. A promising way to process pulp is the application of deep eutectic solvent-like mixtures, which expand new possibilities for delignification processes. This article aims to characterize the physical properties of pulps modified with deep eutectic solvent-like mixtures and to compare these properties to untreated softwood kraft pulp and pulp obtained after oxygen delignification (commercially available pulp; obtained from Mondi Štětí a.s.). The physical properties (mechanical and optical) of the original pulp and delignified pulps were evaluated based on the degree of beating (Schopper–Riegler degree), zeta potential, water retention value, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and whiteness. Technology employing deep eutectic solvent-like mixtures shows great promise for sustainable pulp production; however, its full-scale adoption will require further research focused on process optimization, solvent recovery, and economic cost reduction.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr13061930

Authors: Lota Chrvalová, Veronika Jančíková, Ida Skotnicová, Michal Jablonský, Štefan Šutý

Institution: Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

Language: English

Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896