Fibre Quality Factors in Papermaking — II The Importance of Fibre Coarseness

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe effects of fibre coarseness on the papermaking properties of softwood pulps have been demonstrated. While reducing fibre length or strength reduces mainly sheet strength, changes in fibre coarseness influence virtually all pulp properties — drainage, wet-web strength, and the structural, strength, and optical properties of the dry sheets. The effects are large, and are explained on the basis that coarser fibres have thicker walls, are fewer per unit pulp mass, and have smaller specific surface area. Implications for the quality of market chemical pulps are discussed.