Kraft Process
The Kraft Process is a method used in the paper industry to produce wood pulp from trees. It involves cooking wood chips in a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, which breaks down the lignin that binds cellulose fibers together. This process results in a stronger and more durable pulp, making it suitable for high-quality paper products.
After cooking, the pulp is washed to remove chemicals and impurities. The resulting pulp can be bleached to achieve a desired whiteness. The Kraft Process is widely used because it is efficient and allows for the recovery and reuse of chemicals, making it more environmentally friendly compared to other methods.