Virgin Softwood Pulp Ratio Verification in Technical Packaging Papers
Verifying virgin softwood content in packaging paper relies on fiber morphology analysis, ISO chemical pulp identification, and trace chemical markers
Py-GC-MS Lignin Analysis
Molecular Fingerprinting
Analytical method that combines thermal degradation with chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the composition of the wood polymer. Py-gc-ms lignin analysis provides a detailed profile of the phenolic building blocks within a sample. Determination of the ratio of different subunits allows researchers to predict the pulping efficiency of the raw material.
Instrumentation Step
A small sample of the material is rapidly heated in an inert atmosphere to break it down into volatile fragments. These fragments pass through a gas chromatograph for separation before being identified by the mass spectrometer. Through py-gc-ms lignin analysis, it is possible to detect the presence of specific modifications that occur during the bleaching process.
This technique is more sensitive than traditional chemical methods and requires minimal sample preparation.
Process Improvement
Mills use this data to optimize their cooking liquors and to predict the yield of the pulping process. Understanding the specific nature of the wood helps in troubleshooting issues related to brightness reversion or residual lignin in the final product. The results from py-gc-ms lignin analysis can also be used to verify the species of wood used in a paper grade.
This level of detail is essential for developing new high value products from biorefinery streams.