ASAM pulping of hybrid poplar samsun clone grown in Turkey

Abstract

The study evaluates the suitability of hybrid poplar (P. deltoides), called Samsun clone, grown ill Turkey, as a possible raw material, by ASAM (alkaline sulfite-antraquinone-methanol) pulping. Samsun clone wood samples were pulped by both ASAM and kraft processes. The kraft process was used as a control. The effect of the variable cooking time of the ASAM process on pulp yield and quality of handsheets was examined, while the other pulping conditions were kept constant. After cooking for 120, 150 and 180 Minutes at maximum temperature, the kappa numbers recorded were of 17.4, 16.8, 8.19, respectively, for ASAM, and 24.5 for kraft. An 150 minute cooking time was considered as optimum. The pulp yields and physical values of the ASAM handsheets were higher than those of the control kraft.