Peg-based aqueous biphasic systems as improvement for kraft hardwood pulping process

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) represent wholly aqueous systems that are safe, nontoxic, nonflammable, and relatively environmentally benign as extraction media. We have studied detailed phase diagrams and partitioning data currently used in wholly aqueous solvent extraction or reactive extraction processes that may be applicable to the delignification of cellulosic materials at elevated temperature. The study results indicate that increasing the concentration of salt improves the degree of phase divergence. The partitioning results of different lignin species in PEG/salt ABS show that lignin prefers the polymer-rich phase of ABS. Four complete time-at-temperature (130-160°C) batch-cooking experiments were made using a Kraft pulping solution with and without PEG. The results for wood chips composed of a mixture of southern hardwood indicate that the use of PEG results in a pulp with lower Kappa number, lower lignin content, higher residual pulp yield, and reduced alkali consumption.