Changes of anionic groups in alkaline peroxide-impregnated aspen chemithermomechanical pulp during subsequent alkaline peroxide bleaching

The effect of alkaline peroxide bleaching on the total anionic groups (AGs) and surface AGs in aspen chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) fibers was investigated. Alkaline treatment, especially alkaline peroxide bleaching resulted in the formation of new AGs and surface AGs in the CTMP fibers. The carboxylic groups in uronic acid units, including 4-O-methylglucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid units were the main contributors to the AGs in the fibers. However, the oxidized lignin accounting for more than 30% of the total AGs in the bleached CTMP fibers, was the main origin of the new AGs formed during the peroxide bleaching. In addition, the new AGs were also formed by extensive deesterification of the residual esterified uronic acids in pectins and lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs). Although some uronic acid units were dissolved in the process water, both the total AGs and surface AGs in the fibers increased after alkaline peroxide bleaching.

► We study origin of new AGs formed during CTMP peroxide bleaching.
► Uronic acid units are the main contributors to the AGs in pulp fibers.
► Oxidized lignin is the major origin of new AGs formed during bleaching.
► Total AGs and surface AGs in fibers increased after the peroxide bleaching.