journal: Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal

Impact Factor: 1.2

Published since January 20, 1986

Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal

The international research journal on sustainable utilization of forest bioresources

ISSN: 2000-0669

Editor-in-chief: Gunnar Henriksson

About this journal

Objective

Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal (NPPRJ) is a peer-reviewed, international scientific journal covering to-date science and technology research in the areas of wood-based biomass:

Pulp and paper: products and processes

Wood constituents: characterization and nanotechnologies

Bio-refining, recovery and energy issues

Utilization of side-streams from pulping processes

Novel fibre-based, sustainable and smart materials.

The editors and the publisher are committed to high quality standards and rapid handling of the peer review and publication processes.

Topics

Cutting-edge topics such as, but not limited to, the following:

Biorefining, energy issues

Wood fibre characterization and nanotechnology

Side-streams and new products from wood pulping processes

Mechanical pulping

Chemical pulping, recovery and bleaching

Paper technology

Paper chemistry and physics

Coating

Paper-ink-interactions

Recycling
Environmental issues

Article formats

Research articles, reviews

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Your benefits

State-of-the art knowledge in the broad field of wood-based biomass science and technology

Strong interdisciplinary approach

Renowned international editorial and scientific advisory boards

Publication online and print incl. online first mode

Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal is published in cooperation with Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden and run as a project at KTH with Chalmers University of Technology, Karlstad University, Mid Sweden University, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Aalto University, Åbo Akademi University, Luleå University of Technology and University of Oulu.

History

Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal was founded by the Swedish Association of Pulp and Paper Engineers (SPCI) in 1986. Since 2013, the journal is owned by Mid Sweden University and run as a project by Mid Sweden University, Chalmers University of Technology, Karlstad University, Royal Institute of Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Aalto University, Åbo Akademi University, Luleå University of Technology and University of Oulu.

Other publications in the field

Journals

Holzforschung

Journal of Polymer Engineering

Nanotechnology Reviews

Reviews in Chemical Engineering

Science and Engineering of Composite Materials

Books and serials

Advanced Composites

Pulp and Paper Chemistry and Technology

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Supplementary Materials

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External Links

Volume 38 Issue 4

December 2023

Publicly Available November 28, 2023

Frontmatter

Page range: i-iii

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Biorefining

August 29, 2023

Effects of trace elements (Fe, Cu, Ni, Co and Mg) on biomethane production from paper mill wastewater

Dilan Toprak, Tülay Yilmaz, Kerem Gülpinar, Amine Yücel, Yakup Çakmak, Deniz Uçar

Page range: 509-520

Abstract

Trace elements have a significant effect on biochemical reactions and therefore the presence of optimum levels of trace elements is essential for bioreactor performances. In this study, the effects of five trace elements on biomethane production have been investigated. Experimental studies have been carried out with multiple batch reactors at 15 day HRT and mesophilic temperatures. The optimum concentrations for each of the trace elements Fe, Cu, Ni, Co and Mg were found as 5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 100 mg/L, respectively. Among tested trace elements, Cu was the one which provided the highest biomethane production. Cu addition was resulted in a 46 % increase in biomethane production followed by Co with 24 %. The biomethane production rate for these two trace elements was 191.70 and 110.77 ml CH 4 /g COD, respectively. Optimum levels for Ni, Fe and Mg increased biomethane production rate by approximately 14.3, 10 and 17 % compared to control groups, respectively. Because the exact amount of trace element requirement for each industry/reactor is different, specific case studies should be performed for each application. These results could be used as initial trace element concentrations for further continuous studies.

Paper Technology

Open Access September 26, 2023

Water-dispersible paper for packaging applications – balancing material strength and dispersibility

Andrea Christine Pfennich, Elisabeth Anna Schoeffmann, Herfried Lammer, Ulrich Hirn

Page range: 521-532

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Abstract

Water-dispersible paper is useful for packaging applications as it disintegrates into its fibers after usage, and also is a fully biodegradable material. Here, we first introduce a laboratory testing method for the disintegration performance of different paper grades under low agitation in water. Then a quantitative analysis on the technological and physical mechanisms responsible for dispersibility of paper is performed. We identify lignin content, degree of refining and addition of starch as relevant factors reducing paper dispersibility. Addition of a debonding agent, a non-ionic surfactant, was not found to be effective here. We found a strong correlation of both, wet- and dry tensile strength to dispersibility. From all water absorption related paper properties only ultrasonic liquid penetration measurements were correlated to paper dispersibility. Principal component analysis revealed that paper strength and water penetration speed are not governed by different latent variables but instead are all strongly associated with the first principal component. This suggests that the same mechanisms are responsible for reduction of water penetration speed and wet/dry strength. Hence we suggest to decouple network strength and water penetration, e.g. by identifying suitable additives imparting bonding strength without reducing the access of water which is required to break the fiber–fiber bonds.

October 26, 2023

Recyclable oil resistant paper with enhanced water resistance based on alkyl ketene dimer modified sodium alginate

Liyan Ma, Shuai Liu, Jiahui Shi, Rina Wu, Peng Lu

Page range: 533-543

Abstract

Sustainable coatings exhibit potential in enhancing oil resistance of packaging paper. Alkyl ketone dimer (AKD) was used to esterify sodium alginate (SA) to prepare water and oil resistant agent SAD. As SAD was coated on paper, it reduced the surface energy and blocked the fiber pores of paper, thus improving the barrier performance of paper. The oil resistance grade can reach grade 6 at coating amount of 2.13 ± 0.26 g/m 2 , which is qualified for food packaging. The coated paper also showed good barrier to hot castor oil. Resistance to organic solvent and water were also enhanced with initial water contact angle (WCA) increased to 69.2°. Compared with base paper, SAD coated paper had better mechanical properties and more importantly, coated paper can be effectively recycled to achieve green recycling.

Coating

October 17, 2023

Preparation and properties of a novel decorative base paper for formaldehyde-free adhesive impregnation

Min Liang, Jingya Gong, Jianfeng Xu, Ru Liu, Ling Long

Page range: 545-553

Abstract

Formaldehyde-free adhesives are gaining attention due to their compatibility with green production methods. Decorative base paper (DBP) is known for its physical strength and printability and has a high ability for absorbing aldehyde-free adhesives for impregnation. In this paper, DBP was prepared with TiO 2 and SiO 2 combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), where the amount of TiO 2 was reduced in the pulp process. The prepared DBP was impregnated by aldehyde-free adhesive and hot-pressed on wood-based panels. The results showed that upon SiO 2 coating, the surface smoothness of base paper increased by 132.3 %, whereas the tensile strength increased by 33.6 %. Furthermore, the colour density of cyan, magenta, yellow and black colours increased by 75.4 %, 99.2 %, 51.9 % and 90.5 %, respectively. The surface properties like surface bonding strength and wear resistance of the covered wood-based panels were found to satisfy the standard requirements, which indicates the products can be used for furniture products.

November 9, 2023

The effect of carbon nanoparticles on cellulosic handsheets

Merve Engin, Nusret Kaya

Page range: 555-566

Abstract

This article describes the study of the effects of carbon nanoparticles on fibrous cellulosic webs. The handsheets were coated with coating colours containing graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotube (CNT) and super conductive black carbon (SCBC) nanoparticles at different concentrations. The Raman method was used to assess the quality of the carbon materials and the changes in the band gap of the nanoparticles deposited on the handsheets. The influence of the type and content of the nanoparticles on the structural, mechanical, chemical and electrical properties of the composites was investigated and discussed. It was found that the range of failure modes and fracture surfaces seen in the SEM image is due to the influence of the different carbon materials as the main source of coating colour. The experimental percolation threshold curve and the total surface electrical resistivity of the samples were investigated. The SCBC coated samples exhibited low percolation threshold and comparatively high electrical conductivity at a certain maximum concentration. Each composite exhibited a pronounced stress distribution along the surface layer and the nanoparticle distribution was uniform. The surface resistance of the coated handsheets declined by about 14.103 times with the addition of only 1.0 wt% SCBC compared to the control sample. The composites coated with GO and SCBC nanoparticles at a concentration of 1.0 wt% had the highest tensile strength values.

Environmental Impact

October 17, 2023

Effects of programmed maintenance shutdowns on effluent quality of a bleached kraft pulp mill

Nelson Rubens Nascimento Del’Antonio, Mariele Fioreze, Márcio Caliari, João Pedro Amaral, Claudio Mudadu Silva

Page range: 567-572

Abstract

Routinely, the mills perform programmed maintenance shutdowns (PMS) that can affect the characteristics of the effluents and the performance of the effluent treatment plant (ETP). A careful planning of the PMS, along with the use of industrial process sectorial spill control and the use of the emergency spill lagoon have considerably minimized these effects. The Suzano pulp mill located in Aracruz (Brazil) has three production lines and carry out, on average, PMS of each production line separately, every 15 months of operation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of the PMS on the effluent characteristics and performance of the ETP compared to the periods of normal operation. The results showed that during the PMS, the physicochemical characteristics of the raw and treated effluents were like those found during normal operation. The lower organic loads found in the effluents during the PMS periods were associated with the decrease of the flow rates and the increase of the hydraulic retention time of the ETP, causing a better performance of COD, BOD, TSS and AOX removal. A proper planning of the PMS improved the performance of the ETP and the treated effluent quality remained similar to those during the normal operating period.

November 6, 2023

Carbon emissions analysis of the pulp molding industry: a comparison of dry-press and wet-press production processes

Zhisheng Lv, Shaohong Jiang, Lingjun Wei, Hao Sun, Yuhui Liu, Jieyu Cui, Wanlu Zhang

Page range: 573-582

Abstract

An initial carbon emission calculation formula for the pulp molding industry was first proposed in accordance with the calculation guidelines provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The formula was primarily developed by utilizing the greenhouse gas accounting methods used in the pulp and paper industry and the life cycle assessment (LCA) theory. Carbon dioxide emissions coming into being during the production processes of dry-press and wet-press pulp molding were calculated individually, alongside the carbon emission factors throughout the lifecycle of the products. This study also delivers a comparative analysis of pulp molding products and similar cushion packaging materials. Moreover, the findings reveal that during the production phase, particularly in the formative stages of pulp molding, substantial carbon dioxide emissions would be produced, with dry-press pulp molding products exhibiting markedly higher carbon emission factors than their wet-press counterparts. The primary objective of achieving low-carbon transformation for the pulp molding industry was to reduce the carbon emissions caused by the forming process, primarily by improving the forming process and enhancing energy efficiency or utilizing clean energy.

Nanotechnology

September 26, 2023

Effect of cellulose nanofibril concentration and diameter on the quality of bicomponent yarns

Fernando Alves, Michel De Oliveira Picanço, Jair Rogerio Colares Neto, Tatiana de Fátima Martins Pires, Pedro Ygor Correia, Danillo Wisky Silva, Jordão Cabral Moulin

Page range: 583-591

Abstract

The industrial sector is increasingly interested in the production of yarns based on renewable, efficient, innovative, and ecological resources. Among these precursors, cellulose nanofibrils (NFC) have gained attention due to their interesting characteristics for the development of new products. However, their dimensions pose challenges in their use. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the influence of NFC concentrations and dimensions on the quality of bicomponent yarns. The bicomponent yarns were produced using a coaxial needle and the dry–wet-spinning method. The outer layer was made of guar gum (3 % w/v) and the inner layer of NFC bleached at two different degrees of refining (NFC A and NFC B). Yarn production involved varying concentrations of NFC (4.5 %, 3.5 % and 2.5 % w/v) NFC, which were characterized by real density analyses, tensile strength, water absorption, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Guar gum showed more hydrophilic characteristics, and its delay in hardening caused a less circular section and flaps on the side of the yarn. NFC B exhibited the smallest average diameter, and higher concentrations resulted in yarns with greater mechanical strength, more circular cross-sections, and fewer microstructural defects.

Open Access November 14, 2023

The preparation of cellulose acetate capsules using emulsification techniques: high-shear bulk mixing and microfluidics

Katarzyna Mystek, Bo Andreasson, Michael S. Reid, Hugo Françon, Cecilia Fager, Per A. Larsson, Anna J. Svagan, Lars Wågberg

Page range: 593-605

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Abstract

This work describes an emulsification-solvent-evaporation method for the preparation of liquid-filled capsules made from cellulose acetate. Two different emulsification techniques were applied: bulk emulsification by high-shear mixing, and droplet generation using microfluidics. The bulk emulsification method resulted in the formation of oil-in-water emulsions composed of an organic mixture of isooctane and cellulose acetate in methyl acetate, and an aqueous phase of high-molecular-weight polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Upon the solvent evaporation, the emulsion droplets evolved into isooctane-filled cellulose acetate capsules. In contrast, microfluidics led to the formation of monodisperse droplets composed of the aqueous PVA solution dispersed in the organic phase. Upon the solvent evaporation, the emulsion droplets evolved into water-filled cellulose acetate capsules. Owing to the thermoplastic properties of the cellulose acetate, the capsules formed with the bulk mixing demonstrated a significant expansion when exposed to an increased temperature. Such expanded capsules hold great promise as building blocks in lightweight materials.

Lignin

September 4, 2023

Great potentials of lignin-based separator for Li-ion battery with electrospinning in aqueous system

Weipan Zhang, Pengfei Hao, Lirong Lei, Yi Hou

Page range: 607-617

Abstract

Separator plays a key role in the safety and performances of lithium-ion batteries with the needs of good thermal stability and wettability. Compared with the commercial separator mainly made by polyolefins in organic solvents, the electrospinning of lignin/polyvinyl alcohol in an aqueous solution has been investigated as a green and economically viable method to produce high-performance separators without any other chemical additives. Lignin/polyvinyl alcohol (mass ratio: 3:7) nanofiber separators outperform commercial polypropylene separators in terms of porosity (71 %), liquid absorption (373 %), and outstanding thermal stability at 200 °C. Additionally, Li-ion battery cells that were constructed using different separators were assessed to demonstrate favorable electrochemical performance. The results showed that fabricated Li-ion battery with Lignin/polyvinyl alcohol (mass ratio: 3:7) nanofiber separators possesses a superior capacitance of 154.1 mA h g −1 at 0.5 C, and maintained outstanding cycle stability after 50 times of charging and discharging process at 0.5 C with the capacitance retention rate up to 98.7 %. The facile and sustainable synthesis strategy of lignin-based separator materials for Li-ion batteries developed in this work provides new perspectives for related research, especially based on environmentally friendly aqueous systems.

Open Access September 26, 2023

Using guaiacol as a capping agent in the hydrothermal depolymerisation of kraft lignin

Anders Ahlbom, Marco Maschietti, Rudi Nielsen, Merima Hasani, Hans Theliander

Page range: 619-631

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Abstract

The depolymerisation of softwood kraft lignin was investigated, under hydrothermal conditions at 290 °C and 250 bar, with guaiacol in the reactor feed to evaluate its impact on the formation of char and on the molecular weights of the products. The effect of residence time was investigated in the time span 1–12 min. Lignin is depolymerised during the process and guaiacol is both formed and consumed during the reaction, with clearly noticeable changes as early as in the first minute of reaction. Although the addition of guaiacol in the reactor feed causes a reduction in the weight average molecular weight of the products, the yield of char increases. Longer residence times result in repolymerisation of the reaction products as well as a further increase in the yield of monoaromatic components and char.

September 29, 2023

Preparation of flexible and binder-free lignin-based carbon nanofiber electrode materials by electrospinning in aqueous system

Yunxia Wang, Pengfei Hao, Lirong Lei, Yi Hou

Page range: 633-643

Abstract

Lignin, as a widely distributed, renewable and environmentally friendly source of carbon, could been utilized for carbon nanofibers to not only maximize the usage of resources, but also expand the energy-related opportunities. In this research, flexible lignin-based carbon nanofibers are prepared by electrospinning lignin nanofibers in a new green aqueous solution of lignin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is then characterized by physical and chemical characterizations. The results reveal that optimal carbonization temperature of 800 °C shows great improvements on the structural properties of lignin-based carbon nanofibers, which can be applied as binder-free electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) electrodes with good flexibility. The 2032 type button battery has a superior electrochemical performance with a large specific capacitance of 217.2 F g −1 at a 0.2 A g −1 current density, and remarkable cyclic stability of 94.9 % capacitance retention even after 10,000 charge and discharge cycles, due to the abundance of mesoporous volume and large microporous surface area of lignin-based carbon nanofiber electrodes carbonized in 800 °C.

Ahead of Print / Just Accepted

Ahead of Print / Just Accepted

Volume 38 (2023)

Volume 37 (2022)

Volume 36 (2021)

Volume 35 (2020)

Volume 34 (2019)

Volume 33 (2018)

Volume 32 (2017)

Volume 31 (2016)

Volume 30 (2015)

Volume 29 (2014)

Volume 28 (2013)

Volume 27 (2012)

Volume 26 (2011)

Volume 25 (2010)

Volume 24 (2009)

Volume 23 (2008)

Volume 22 (2007)

Volume 21 (2006)

Volume 20 (2005)

Volume 19 (2004)

Volume 18 (2003)

Volume 17 (2002)

Volume 16 (2001)

Volume 15 (2000)

Volume 14 (1999)

Volume 13 (1998)

Volume 12 (1997)

Volume 11 (1996)

Volume 10 (1995)

Volume 9 (1994)

Volume 8 (1993)

Volume 7 (1992)

Volume 6 (1991)

Volume 5 (1990)

Volume 4 (1989)

Volume 3 (1988)

Volume 2 (1987)

Volume 1 (1986)

Journal Impact Factor	1.2	2022, Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate, 2023)
5-year Journal Impact Factor	1.2	2022, Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate, 2023)
Journal Citation Indicator	0.45	2022, Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate, 2023)
CiteScore	2.2	2022, Scopus (Elsevier B.V., 2023)
SCImago Journal Rank	0.302	2022, SJR (Scimago Lab, 2023; Data Source: Scopus)
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.747	2022, CWTS Journal Indicators (CWTS B.V., 2023; Data Source: Scopus)

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Editorial

Editor-in-Chief

Gunnar Henriksson, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Editors

Josefin Illergård, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Anastasia Riazanova, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Editorial Board

Geoffrey Daniel, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

Per Engstrand, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden

Merima Hasani, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden

Magnus Lestelius, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden

Tom Lindström, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Kristiina Oksman, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland

Monika Österberg, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland

Anna Sundberg, Åbo Akademi University, Turku/Åbo, Finland

Kristin Syverud, RISE-PFI and Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

Hans Theliander, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden

Lars Wågberg, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

International Scientific Advisory Board

Angelés Blanco, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Jorge Luiz Colodette, Federal University of Vicosa, Vicosa, Brazil

Emily B. Cranston, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada

Patrick Gane, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland

Gil Garnier, Australian Pulp and Paper Institute, Melbourne, Australia

Øivind Gregersen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

Akira Isogai, Tokyo University, Tokyo, Japan

Monika Österberg, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland

Herbert Sixta, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland

Per Stenius, PS Interfaces, Åkersberga, Sweden (Professor emeritus, Aalto University)

Hans Theliander, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden

Lars Wågberg, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Chairman)

Stefan Willför, Åbo Akademi University, Turku/Åbo, Finland

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(Deutsch)

Online ISSN: 2000-0669
Print ISSN: 0283-2631
Type: Journal
Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
First published: January 20, 1986
Publication Frequency: 4 Issues per Year
Audience: Wood, biorefining, pulp and paper scientists and engineers; materials scientists; chemical and environmental engineers; chemists, physicists