EFFECTS OF TCF AND ECF SEQUENCES ON WHOLE STEM KENAF (HIBISCUS CANNABINUS) PULP CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) and Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) single- and multi-stage sequences were used to bleach whole stem kenaf pulp. The results indicated that in contrast to unbleached kraft wood pulps, kraft kenaf pulps could be easily bleached to a brightness of 9I.4% using a four-stage TCF [Q₁ (PO)Q₂P] bleaching sequence. The ECF bleached pulps had slightly higher selectivity and yield than those of TCF bleached pulps. The strength properties of the TCF [Q₁ (PO)Q₂P] and ECF (D₁ED₂TEP) bleached pulps were comparable, with the exception that tear index was slightly higher and tensile index slightly lower for TCF pulps.