Properties of Jute Pulps from Atmospheric Organosolv Process

Abstract

It was realized that extended reaction time did not affect either kappa number or yield for both untreated and bio-treated ethanol-alkali jute pulps. The delignification ability of the ethanol-alkali organosolv system was somewhat better than the caustic soda system. However, the ethanol addition into the caustic soda reflux system improved yield with probably carbohydrate retention in the pulp. Moreover, bio-treatment of jute prior to ethanol-alkali pulping under reflux system does not affect the delignification and yield. The maximum burst and tensile strength for ethanol-alkali system was found to be at 1 h. Cooking time with 3.9 kPa m 2 /g and 66.1 N m/g, respectively. However, increasing the reflux time for beyond 1 hour markedly reduce strengths. Moreover, the tear strengths of jute pulps from the caustic soda system were higher than pulps from the both untreated and bio-treated ethanol-alkali systems. The highest tear strength of 22.5 mN m 2 /g was also found with 1 h. Cooking in caustic soda system.