Effect of pulp volume concentration in fibrillation of organosolv pulp by kneading process

In this study, we prepared and analyzed fibrillated fibers based on the volume occupied by the organosolv pulp suspension inside the kneader to investigate the effect of the pulp volume concentration (PVC) during the kneading process with respect to the micronization of the organosolv pulp. The optical-microscopy Kajaani fiber analysis, freeness, and water retention value proved that the fibrillation and refinement of the fibers can be attributed to the alkali kneading treatment. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the micronization of the organosolv pulp improved with the increasing volume of the pulp suspension during kneading. The cellulose thin film fabricated using this fibrillated fiber that can be attributed to the increased PVC during the kneading process exhibited a considerably improved tensile index. This indicates that the degree of fibrillation of the organosolv fibers can be easily controlled by controlling the PVC during the kneading process.