This coating fills the gaps between the fibers, resulting in a smoother, more opaque surface that improves ink holdout and image sharpness. This process crushes the wood fibers without removing the lignin—the natural polymer that binds the cellulose together—resulting in a high yield of material.
From Wood Chips to Paper Sheet Formation: The Pulp-to-Paper Journey
This transformation involves a series of carefully controlled mechanical and chemical treatments designed to break down the rigid structure of wood and reorganize its cellulose fibers into a strong, flexible mat. This is done using chlorine or oxygen-based chemicals to remove any residual coloring agents while maintaining the integrity of the fiber structure.
The diluted pulp stream, called the "furnish," is spread onto a rapidly moving wire mesh belt. Wood chips are cooked in a solution of chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, in a massive pressure vessel known as a digester.
From Wood Chips to Paper Sheet Formation: The Pulping and Fiber Release Process
Before processing, the logs are debarked and chipped into small, uniform pieces roughly the size of a postage stamp to ensure consistency in the subsequent stages. A series of rollers then press the sheet to remove more water and compact the fibers, followed by massive heated dryers that reduce the moisture content to less than 6%.
More About Making paper from wood
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