Review: Using magnesium hydroxide as the alkali source for peroxide bleaching of mechanical pulps - process chemistry and industrial implementation

Abstract Magnesium hydroxide, which is a weak alkali, can be used as the alkali source for peroxide bleaching of mechanical pulps. This magnesium hydroxide-based peroxide bleaching process has been commercialized in the paper industry. In this paper, we review the literature results regarding the process chemistry of the Mg(OH)₂-based peroxide bleaching process, including the kinetics, peroxide decomposition, anionic trash/COD/oxalate formation, the effect on pulp properties. The benefits associated with the Mg(OH)₂- based peroxide bleaching process are discussed. We also discuss the mill implementation of the Mg(OH)₂- based peroxide bleaching process in the pulp and paper industry. A case is presented where magnesium hydroxide completely replaces sodium hydroxide as the alkali source. A partial magnesium substitution for sodium hydroxide can also be an option.