Comparison of the Beatability for Fast-growing Plants, Softwood, and Hardwood Sources of Fibers

Refining is a primary unit operation that has a large impact on the quality of paper products and cost of production. The refining process of cellulose fibers is the most energy-intensive step in the preparation of paper pulp. High energy consumption during the refining process has motivated researchers to improve the economics of the process without decreasing the strength of the paper produced. This objective can be realized through easily refined pulps that are produced from alternative vegetal fibrous raw materials. This work compares the energy consumption of refining soft, hardwood, and fast-growing fibrous materials to 30 degrees SR. The goal was to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the strength properties of the paper received. For this purpose, cellulose pulps from fast growing plants including poplar, larch, and grasses were used.