Sulfaattiselluloosalla

Sulfaattiselluloosa, commonly known as kraft paper or sulfate pulp, is a wood pulp produced by the sulfate process. This process involves cooking wood chips with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide at high temperatures and pressures. The chemicals break down the lignin, the substance that binds wood fibers together, while leaving the cellulose fibers largely intact. This results in a strong and durable pulp.

The kraft process is the most widely used method for producing wood pulp globally due to its efficiency and the high quality of the resulting pulp. The main advantages of kraft pulp are its superior strength properties compared to other pulping methods, making it ideal for applications requiring durability. It also allows for the recovery and reuse of the pulping chemicals, contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of the process.

Sulfaattiselluloosa is the primary component in the production of kraft paper, which is known for its brown color and excellent tensile strength. It is commonly used for packaging materials such as paper bags, sacks, corrugated cardboard, and wrapping paper. The fibers can be bleached to produce white paper, though this adds to the cost and can slightly reduce strength. Beyond packaging, kraft pulp is also used in the manufacturing of various paper products, including some types of printing paper, tissue paper, and specialty papers. The versatility and strength of sulfaattiselluloosa have made it a cornerstone of the paper industry.