Effect of accelerated aging on the properties of some writing paper sheets

Writing papers made from kraft softwood pulp and bagasse dissolving pulp were subjected to thermal aging for different time intervals (24, 48, 72, 96 and 120h) and the resulting changes in their chemical, physical and submicroscopic properties were investigated. The crystallinity changes in these pulps during thermal aging were studied by X-ray diffractograms. The carboxyl content of the kraft softwood pulp increased with time of thermal aging up to 96h and then decreased with increasing aging time, while the carboxyl content of bagasse dissolving pulp increased during thermal aging up to 72h and then decreased after this time. The crystallinity of kraft softwood pulp increased gradually during thermal aging. However, in the case of bagasse dissolving pulp the crystallinity increased up to 72h and then decreased. All pulps were characterized by a reduction in the degree of whiteness and chain depolymerization during the time of thermal aging.