Chemical pulping is a process used to convert wood into pulp, which is the primary raw material for making paper. This method involves using chemicals, typically sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, to break down the lignin that binds cellulose fibers together in the wood. The result is a slurry of cellulose fibers that can be further processed into paper products. There are two main types of chemical pulping: kraft pulping and sulfite pulping. Kraft pulping is the most common method, known for producing stronger pulp and paper. After pulping, the cellulose fibers are washed, bleached, and dried to create the final pulp product ready for paper manufacturing.