CHARACTERIZATION OF ASPEN EXPLOSION PULP BY CP MAS C-13 NMR

Steam explosion pulps were studied by means of CP/MAS C-13 NMR spectro scopy. The steam explosion treatment of aspen chips with Na2SO3 and Na 2SO3 + NaOH led to a loss in hemicellulose and an increase in cellulos e crystallinity. No lignin dissolution occurred during explosion pulpi ng, although the lignin structure might have changed to a certain exte nt. For comparison purposes, conventional CMP and CTMP pulps were also analyzed. The conventional treatments revealed less modification in t he spectrum with regard to original wood samples.