The effect of increased pulp yield using additives in the softwood kraft cook on the physical properties of lowgrammage handsheets

The effect of increasing the pulp yield by the addition of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or polysulfide (PS) in softwood kraft cooking, i.e. enhancing the retention of glucomannan, on the physical properties of low-grammage handsheets was studied. In addition to the yield improvement, an increase in tensile index was observed, especially at lower degrees of beating. These higher yield pulps showed an increase in pore volume, indicating an increased degree of swelling of the fibres. Presumably, the increased flexibility of the fibres affects the bonding strength and leads to the higher tensile index observed.