Evaluation alternative in MWPI's newsprint production with mixture of species on the properties of CMP paper

The effects of mixing forest hardwood species (including Oak, Maple & Persimmon) and non-forest ones (including Willow & poplar) on optical and mechanical properties of newsprint produced from CMP were investigated. These species were used instead of MWPI's common used species (including Beech & Hornbeam) regarding to the forest resources diminishing. The pulp (CMP) was prepared under conditions of 85% yield and different cooking times (25-60 min.), temperature of 170°C , L/W= 1/7. The optical and mechanical properties of hand sheets with a basis weight of 60 g/m2 have been assessed. Results indicated that the quality of paper was increased by increasing the amount of Poplar and also it was found that the best strength and optical properties were related to the treatments with higher amounts of hornbeam or poplar. However, it should be noted that acceptable results can be achieved by using low amounts of other species mixed with higher percentages of Poplar.