Investigation on Neutral Sulfite Semi-Chemical Pulping of Reapseed (Canola) Residues

Neutral sulfite semi chemical pulping of Canola residues has been investigated. Canola residues collected from research farm at Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, in Karaj. Chemical composition of Canola residues including cellulose, lignin, extractives soluble in ethanol-acetone and ash were determined using relevant TAPPI standard test methods. Fiber dimensions of Canola residues were also measured. Then neutral sulfite semi chemical pulps were produced from Canola residues applying following conditions: Cooking time at 3 levels(20,40,60min),chemical charge at 5 levels(8,10,12,14,16 %), Cooking temperature was kept constant for all cooks at 175ċ, Na2SO3 to Na2CO3 ratio was 3:1,and liquor to Canola residues at 8:1. Each pulping was repeated tree times. At the end of each cooking, initial defibration was carried out using a laboratory disc refiner. Total yield before defibration and yield after defibration and screened yield were determined. The highest yield (72%) was obtained at treatment combination of and the lowest yield (58.7%) was in treatment of. Both factors, time and chemical charge, had significant effect on yield and increasing these two factors caused lower yield.