Puitmassi

Puitmassi, also known as wood pulp, is a fibrous material derived from wood. It is the primary ingredient in the production of paper and many other cellulose-based products. The process of creating wood pulp typically involves breaking down wood into its constituent fibers through mechanical or chemical means. Mechanical pulping grinds wood chips, separating the fibers but leaving behind much of the lignin, a substance that gives wood its rigidity. This method is less expensive but produces weaker paper. Chemical pulping, on the other hand, uses chemicals to dissolve the lignin, resulting in purer cellulose fibers and stronger paper. Common chemical pulping processes include the kraft process and the sulfite process. The resulting pulp can then be washed, bleached, and processed further to create various paper grades, cardboard, and other fiberboard products. Wood pulp is a renewable resource, making it a sustainable option for many manufacturing industries. The type of wood used, such as softwood or hardwood, influences the characteristics of the final pulp and paper product. Softwoods generally yield longer fibers, leading to stronger paper, while hardwoods produce shorter fibers, resulting in smoother paper.