The water resistance of corrugated paper improved by lipophilic extractives and lignin in APMP effluent

Abstract

In this article, quantitative determination of compositions (hemicellulose and lignin) in the APMP (alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping) effluent was done. The MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) extracts of the APMP effluent (extractives) were analyzed by GC/MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). The result of GC/MS showed that fatty acids (C14–C28) and their esters, sterols were the main components of extractives. Based on the qualitative and quantitative determination of compositions in APMP effluent and the mechanism of surface sizing, APMP effluent combined with starch and Al2(SO4)3 was used as corrugated paper surface sizing agent; the water resistant mechanism of which was explored. Combined effects of lignin (extractives) and Al3+ played a major role in hydrophobic properties of corrugated paper, the Cobb values of corrugated paper sized by which were 35.2 and 39.8 g/m2, respectively. The water contact angles were 126.6° and 115.6° at 120 s, respectively. No previous studies or article on APMP effluent improving the water resistance of corrugated paper have been reported.