Dissolving Pulp: Break down pulp: A Key Player in the Textile Industry Production and Applications

 

Dissolving Pulp

Break down pulp, also known as dissolving grade pulp, is a type of bleached wood pulp made specifically for the production of regenerated cellulose. It is predominantly used as a raw material in the manufacture of products like viscose fibers, lyocell, microcrystalline cellulose and cellophane among others. Break down pulp helps in the production of man-made fibers which are commonly used in textiles, industrial or specialty papers.

Properties of Dissolving Pulp

Break down Dissolving Pulp has certain important properties which make it suitable for use in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose products. It has high purity levels with low residue and should be virtually free of shives, groundwood and other contaminants. The pulp needs to have high alpha-cellulose content of around 90% or more for efficient manufacturing processes. It also has low hemicellulose content which allows improved solubility. Other key properties include high whiteness, consistent fiber length and optimum bulk density.

Production Process of Break down pulp

Dissolving grade pulp is produced using the kraft or sulfate process which involves chemical pulping of raw wood materials like hardwoods and softwoods. The main steps involved are:

- Collection and storage of raw wood: Suitable wood species like eucalyptus, acacia and birch are collected and stored prior to pulping.

- Chipping: The logs are debarked, washed and converted into wood chips of uniform size using chippers.

- Digestion: The wood chips are cooked in a digester along with aqueous sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide at high temperatures and pressures. This breaks down the lignin bonds between cellulose fibers.

- Washing: The cooked chips or "black liquor" undergo countercurrent washing to remove dissolved lignin and other extractives.

- Bleaching: A multi-stage chemical bleaching process is carried out to remove residual lignin and achieve high brightness levels needed for break down pulp.

- Refining: The pulp is refined to breakdown fiber bundles and fibrillate individual fibers for improved reactivity.

- Drying and baling: The pulp sheets are dried and pressed into bales for storage, transportation and further processing.

Applications and Uses of Break down pulp

Break down pulp finds extensive usage across various industries due to its unique properties:

Textiles: It is used as a chief raw material in the production of regenerated cellulosic fibers like viscose, modal and lyocell which are then spun into textile yarns and fabrics. Major textile applications include shirts, blouses, dresses, linings etc.

Films and coatings: Break down pulp based cellulose esters and cellulose ethers find applications as film formers and binders in food packaging films, photographic films, coating formulations etc.

Cigarette filters: High purity break down pulp with desired fiber dimensions is utilized in the manufacture of cellulose acetate tow fibers that are processed into cigarette filters.

Pharmaceuticals: Cellulose derivatives obtained from break down pulp like hydroxypropyl cellulose finds usage as binders, disintegrants and thickeners in pharmaceutical tablet and capsule formulations.

Cosmetics: Cellulose derivatives are incorporated as thickeners, protective colloids and binding agents in cosmetic products like lotions, creams, hair sprays and make-up formulations.

Global Trends in Break down pulp Market

According to recent reports, the global break down pulp market size was valued at over USD 7 billion in 2019 and is projected to exhibit steady growth rates during the forecast period. Some of the key factors contributing to this positive outlook are:

- Growing viscose staple fiber demand: Rising apparel consumption particularly in Asia Pacific countries is driving significant demand for viscose staple fibers which form the biggest end-use segment.

- New plant capacities: Several pulp producers are constructing new production facilities and expanding existing units to capitalize on market opportunities. Examples include break down pulp projects by Sappi and Bracell in South Africa.

- Substitution of cotton: Man-made cellulosic fibers obtained from break down pulp serve as more eco-friendly substitutes to conventional cotton and help textile mills lower costs.

- Fibers for new applications: Novel application areas for cellulosic fibers include bio-composites, barrier films and specialty papers providing additional growth avenues.

- Sustainability initiatives: Focus on replacing petroleum-based synthetic fibers with green eco-friendly options like viscose and modal aids market growth.

break down pulp has emerged as an indispensable raw material base for the regenerated cellulose industry. Steady growth in demand from major end-use segments coupled with capacity additions by pulp makers are expected to propel the break down pulp market globally in the coming years. Key players are investing in R&D to develop new fiber applications and sustainable production technologies.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)