Sorption of kraft lignin from spent liquors on pulp fibres

In this investigation, the sorption of kraft lignin (KL) from spent liquors, membrane filtrated and model KL liquors on fully bleached softwood kraft pulp fibres, was studied. The time, temperature and alkalinity during the sorption experiments were chosen to reflect the conditions of black liquor impregnation of chips before the cooking operation. The amount of sorbed KL was estimated by brightness and kappa number measurements. A linear correlation between the k value and the kappa number was found. Among the parameters investigated, the concentration of metal non-process elements was found the most crucial for the sorption of KL on pulp fibres under black liquor impregnation. The influences of KL concentration, metal ion profile and KL molecular weight distribution on the KL sorption behaviour under black liquor impregnation are discussed.