Modeling kraft cooking kinetics of fiber mixes from TMP and unbleached kraft pulps for assessment of old corrugated cardboard delignification

International audienceAbstract Kraft cooking kinetics of three different lignocellulosic substrates have been investigated, namely fibers from unbleached kraft pulp (UBKP from Pinus radiata), fibers from softwood unbleached thermomechanical pulp (TMP), and wood chips for TMP production. UBKP and TMP were considered to be representative of a fiber mixture obtained after the pulping and cleaning of old corrugated cardboards (OCC). The characteristic parameters for fitting a mathematical model for kraft pulping were estimated. Based on the results, a “fiber mixture cooking model” was developed to predict the cooking kinetics of TMP/UBKP mixes, accounting for the proportion of each component. The aim was to tailor OCC upcycling in terms of high quality products, which can be used for various purposes including paper and non-paper applications