Fundamental physical aspects on lignin dissolution

The aggregation of diluted kraft lignin (KL) solutions was studied by turbidity measurements at elevated temperatures, various sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide concentrations. Since adsorptive processes usually precede self-aggregation in macromolecular systems as the solution conditions get worse, the interaction between KL and pulp fibres was also investigated. When treating samples of fully bleached softwood pulp fibres in KL solutions under various solution conditions, the light-absorption coefficient increased and the brightness was found to decrease rapidly above pOH 1, as the temperature was elevated. At pOH 2 and 175°C, the adsorption of KL was up to about 6 mg g-1. The results are also discussed theoretically in terms of lignin solubility and lignin coagulation.