Abstract:

The effectiveness of two regeneration methods (i.e. improvement of the papermaking potential) for five different grades of recycled fibres was investigated in present work. In the first method, only the refining operation was used, and in the second, removal of fines and subsequent refining were applied. The dewatering ability of every regenerated pulp (measured by the SR test) and basic strength properties of papers made from these pulps were tested. The results show that it was possible to increase the papermaking potential of all pulps tested; however, higher effectiveness was achieved when the removal of fines was followed by the refining operation. Further analysis of the results also indicates that recycled pulp grades based on kraft paper have sufficiently high papermaking potential, and in many cases they do not need additional regeneration. Pulp regeneration is strongly recommended in the case of pulps based on LWC, SC and Newsprint papers. Experiments have also proved that the selection of an optimal method for improved papermaking potential always has an individual character, and the method always has to be adjusted to a specific pulp grade and the paper grade made from it.