Enhancement of delignification by ionic liquids pretreatment and modification of hardwood kraft pulp in preparation for bleaching

Ionic liquids (ILs) pretreatment is shown to improve the pulp bleachability and modify the physical strength of the hardwood pulp during the oxygen-chlorine dioxide-hydrogen peroxide (ODP) bleaching. The pretreatment enhanced lignin removal in ODP bleaching, resulting in decreased lignin content of the pretreated pulp. The brightness and strength properties were improved. In particular, the folding strength was increased by 153% relative to the control when the pulp was pretreated by [TEA][HSO4]. The analysis of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction confirmed the enhancement of delignification in ILs pretreatment by the removal of hemicellulose and lignin on pulp fibers’ surface, and the well-preserved fiber framework of the hardwood pulp fibers during ODP-bleaching.