Isolation of hemicelluloses from the kraft-based dissolving pulp production process

The three main components in wood chips are cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Traditionally, cellulose is the main constitute of pulp, which is the product of pulp mills and is used as the main raw material for paper production in paper mills. The lignin, however, is mainly burned to supply the heat requirement of the pulp mills.

However, the hemicelluloses are conventionally burned along with lignin in the pulping spent liquor recovery system. Since the heat values of hemicelluloses are much lower than that of the dissolved lignin in the spent liquor, it is widely accepted that burning is not the economical utilization of hemicelluloses. Researchers are seeking for alternative methods to improve the utilization of hemicelluloses, which in turn increases the revenue of the pulp mills.

The student internship will be directly involved in the research program. The candidate will learn state of the art analytical and processing techniques, and will be trained to understand and carry out innovative research program. He/She will also develop teamwork, leadership presentation and communication skills.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Yonghao Ni

Student:

Ishneet Kaur

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Pulp and paper

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program: