groundwood pulp
Quick Summary
Groundwood pulp is produced by mechanically grinding wood, which separates and fragments the fibers. This process uses pulpwood, often in log or bolt form, which is debarked before being pressed against a revolving grinding stone. The resulting pulp contains all the wood's natural constituents, including lignin, which causes discoloration (yellowing) when exposed to light and heat.1
Papers made with groundwood pulp are known for their opacity, bulk, and good printing qualities. However, the fragmented fibers and presence of lignin limit their strength and whiteness. While bleaching can improve whiteness, it doesn't reach the level of pure cellulose. Groundwood pulp was historically used primarily for newsprint but is now also found in magazines, books, and commercial printing due to process improvements.12
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papermakingImprovements in materials and processesMade by mechanical methods, groundwood pulp contains all the components of wood and thus is not suitable for papers in which high whiteness and permanence are required. Chemical wood pulps such as soda and sulfite pulp (described below) are used when high brightness, strength, and permanence are required. Groundwood…
Read MoreMade by mechanical methods, groundwood pulp contains all the components of wood and thus is not suitable for papers in which high whiteness and permanence are required. Chemical wood pulps such as soda and sulfite pulp (described below) are used when high brightness, strength, and permanence are required. Groundwood…
Read More- papermakingMechanical or groundwood pulp
Pulpwood may arrive at the mill as bolts 1.2 metres (4 feet) in length or as full-length logs. The logs are sawn to shorter length, and the bolts are tumbled in large revolving drums to remove the bark. The debarked wood is next sent…
Read MorePulpwood may arrive at the mill as bolts 1.2 metres (4 feet) in length or as full-length logs. The logs are sawn to shorter length, and the bolts are tumbled in large revolving drums to remove the bark. The debarked wood is next sent…
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