Production of paper grade pulp from bagasse by a novel pulping process

A novel pulping process using formic acid/acetic acid/water to selectively separate cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin from bagasse was optimised and the bleaching response and pulp properties were determined. The process is suitable for use with high silicon containing raw materials because the silicon predominantly stays with the pulp and does not complicate chemical recovery. Key pulping variables were the percentage of formic acid and water in the pulping liquor, the liquor to fibre ratio and pulping time. This cooking method produced unbleached paper pulp at atmospheric pressure. High quality bleached pulp was produced using a TCF sequence. This process has the potential to be very environmentally effective. Pilot scale evaluation is planned.