SULFONATED ASPEN PULPS .1. EFFECT OF VAPOR-PHASE COOKING TEMPERATURE ON THE FIBER STRUCTURE

Sulfonation reaction of aspen wood was carried out both under conventi onal and steam explosion conditions. The effects of the different trea tments on the structure and morphology of the material were evaluated by chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractomet ry, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Remarkable modifications were induced u nder steam explosion conditions and concerning the primary structure o f both hemicelluloses and lignin components, while modifications of th e cellulose component involved its secondary and ternary structure.