An investigation into the nature of charge on the surface of papermaking woodpulps 1. Charge/pH isotherms

The specific surface charge of various papermaking woodpulps was determined at 25°C as a function of pH and ionic strength. The hardwood pulps studied were bleached Eucalyptus globulus sulphate (Soporcell and Ceasa), bleached Eucalyptus grandis sulphate (Aracruz) and bleached Betula verrucosa sulphate (Olu Birch and Husum White Birch), and the softwood pulp was bleached pine/spruce sulphate (Husum Extra White and Stora 32). All were used in the same dried-sheet form as supplied to papermills. The effect of refining on the surface charge was investigated and the specific charge on fines and fibres from the same pulp was compared.