Evaluation of the Physical Properties of Unbleached Kraft Pulp Produced from Persimmon Byproducts

This study examined the features of unbleached kraft pulp produced from persimmon byproducts (PB-UKP), which can be used to replace commercial kraft pulp. PB-UKPs prepared through the kraft pulping laboratory process were beaten to 500 and 400 mL CSF. Their fiber properties were subsequently analyzed and compared with those of commercial hardwood bleached kraft pulp (Hw-BKP). The physical properties of handsheets made from PB-UKP and Hw-BKP with a grammage of 60 g/m2 were also evaluated. PB-UKP and Hw-BKP exhibited similar initial fiber properties. However, after beating, the fiber length of PB-UKP was longer than that of Hw-BKP, and the fines content of Hw-BKP increased considerably. Moreover, no noticeable difference was observed in the fiber width of the pulp. As the beating time increased, sheet bulk decreased, and the sheet strengths increased. The tensile and burst strengths of the handsheet made from PB-UKP were higher than those made from Hw-BKP at a similar sheet bulk because PB-UKP had a higher long fiber content. Thus, PB-UKP could be used as a colored raw material to manufacture paper products. © 2022 Korean Technical Assoc. of the Pulp and Paper Industry. All rights reserved.