Pulp delignification and refining: impact on the supramolecular structure of softwood fibers

Abstract The effect on softwood fiber wall nanostructure of kraft cooking, oxygen delignification and refining was evaluated by X-ray scattering. A recently developed simulation method for modelling small angle scattering (SAXS) data used to estimate the apparent average sizes solids (AAPS) interstitial spaces in (AACS). Fiber saturation point wide were also calculate pore volume crystallite size fibril, respectively. experimental modelled SAXS able give consistent values each kraft-cooked oxygen-delignified pulp. Kraft seems have major influence modification, while has little or no significant impact even different kappa numbers. particle more stable than cavities differences seen between processes, degree. Pulps after PFI-refining, showed an increase porosity FSP wall, very not affected at all.