Wood-free paper

This article is about paper made from bleached, lignin-free pulp. For other paper from non-wood sources, see List of types of paper § Types of paper by cellulose source.

Wood-free paper, tree-free paper, or fine paper is paper created from bleached, chemically-separated paper pulp, as to minimize lignin contents (the "wood" in question).^[1] It is not as susceptible to yellowing as paper containing mechanical pulp.^[2][3][4]

A sheet of wood-free paper

Overview

Lignin

Main article: Lignin

Lignin is a natural complex polymer containing aromatic compounds that provide much of a plant's strength. In its natural form, it gives rigidity and resilience to the plant's structure, but its presence causes paper to weaken and turn yellow as it ages and eventually disintegrate. The reason for this is that as the paper ages, lignin releases acid which degrades the paper.^[5] Lignocellulose from the xylem of shrubs and cambium from the inner bark of trees are made up of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose, relevant to papermaking.^[6]

Pulp

Main article: Pulp (paper)

Paper pulp consists of cellulosic materials that have been broken down chemically and physically and filtered and mixed in water to reform into a web: creating pulp by breaking down the materials chemically is called chemical pulping, while creating pulp by breaking them down mechanically is called mechanical pulping.^[6][7]

In the chemical pulping of lignocellulose - plants with lignin content - chemicals separate the wood fibers. The chemicals lower the lignin content because chemical action solubilizes and degrades components of wood fibers, especially hemicelluloses and lignin. Chemical pulping yields single unbroken fibers that produce strong quality papers because the lignin that interferes with hydrogen bonding of wood fibers has been removed. Chemical pulps are used to create wood free paper that is of high quality and lasts long, such as is used in arts and archiving.^[6] Chemical pulping processes take place at high pressures and temperatures under aqueous alkaline, neutral or acidic conditions, with the goal of totally removing the lignin and preserving the carbohydrates. Normally, about 90% of the lignin is removed.^[7]

Mechanical pulping, in contrast, converts raw lignocellulose into pulp without separating the lignin from the cellulose.^[7] No chemicals other than water or steam are used. The yield is about 90% to 98%. High yields result from the fact that lignin is retained. Mechanical pulps are characterized by low cost, high stiffness, high bulk, and high yield.  Mechanical pulp has low strength because the lignin interferes with hydrogen bonding between wood fibers. The lignin also makes the pulp turn yellow when exposed to light and air. Mechanical pulps are used in the production of non-permanent papers such as newsprint and magazine paper. Mechanical pulps made up 20% to 25% of the world production and this is increasing because of the high yield of the process and increasing competition for fiber resources. Advances in technology have also made mechanical pulp increasingly desirable.^{[clarification needed][6]}

Categories

Woodfree uncoated paper

Woodfree uncoated paper (WFU), uncoated woodfree paper (UWF) or uncoated fine papers is the paper industry technical term for base wood-free paper.^[8] Both softwood and hardwood chemical pulps are used and a minor part of mechanical pulp might be added (often of aspen or poplar). These paper grades are calendered.^{[citation needed]} The properties are good strength, high brightness and good archival characteristics.^[9] They provide a non-glare surface suitable for reading and writing.^[how?]

Offset paper

Offset paper is a type of woodfree uncoated paper with ISO brightness > 80% and a basis weight of 40–300 g/m2. Surface strength and low linting are the main parameters, but brightness and opacity are also important.

Lightweight offset paper, also called onionskin, has a basis weight of 25–40 g/m2 and are normally used for bibles (hence the colloquial name Bible paper) and dictionaries.

Composition

Wood-free paper is made from a variety of raw materials, including

• Tissue pulp: This is the most common type of wood-free paper. It is made from wood pulp that has been treated with chemicals to remove the lignin.^{[10][11][12][13]}
• Balsa pulp: This is a type of wood pulp that is made from balsa trees. It is very strong and lightweight, making it ideal for use in envelopes and other lightweight applications.^[14][15]
• Coniferous pulp: This is a type of wood pulp that is made from coniferous trees, such as pine and fir. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in writing and printing papers.^{[16][17][18][19]}
• Non-wood pulp: This is a type of pulp that is made from non-wood materials, such as cotton, hemp, linen, and bamboo. It is often used in high-quality papers, such as those used for art and photography.^[16][18][20]

Wood-free paper has a number of advantages over paper that contains mechanical pulp:

• It is more resistant to yellowing. This is because the lignin, which is the main cause of paper yellowing, has been removed from the pulp.^[17][21][22]
• It is stronger. This is because the cellulose fibers in wood-free paper are longer and more uniform than the fibers in mechanical pulp.^[10]
• It is more durable. This is because wood-free paper is less likely to tear or crease.^[10]
• It is smoother. This is because the surface of wood-free paper is smoother than the surface of paper that contains mechanical pulp.^[10]

Wood-free paper is used in a variety of applications:

• Writing and printing papers: Wood-free paper is the most common type of paper used for writing and printing.^[23] It is available in a variety of weights and finishes, making it ideal for a variety of applications^[17]
• Envelopes: Wood-free paper is the most common type of paper used for envelopes.^[24][25] It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, making it ideal for a variety of occasions.
• Art and photography papers: Wood-free paper is the most common type of paper used for art and photography.^[23] It is available in a variety of weights and finishes, making it ideal for a variety of projects.
• Other applications: Wood-free paper is also used in a variety of other applications, such as packaging, labels, and currency^[16][26]

See also

• Coated fine paper