Applications of paper chemistry

Abstract

Pulp and paper manufacture spans a very wide range of science and technology. It embraces plant genetics, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics and computation and it involves considerable chemical, mechanical, electrical and process engineering. It is also an integral part of the subject of material science. The chemistry of the process might therefore seem, on the face of it, to be a relatively small and unimportant part of the overall technology. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. Correct control of the chemistry of all aspects of the process is vital if product quality and process efficiency are to be maintained. Incorrect operation can lead to serious quality deficiencies or production losses and, finally, to lost markets.