ORGANOSOLV PULPING USING A MICROWAVE-OVEN

The use of microwave energy to effect organosolv pulping of a hardwood (Tulip Poplar) and a softwood (Southern Yellow Pine) has been studied under a variety of conditions on a laboratory scale. Under the best c onditions we have found a pulp yield of 45-60 %, with a residual ligni n content of 2-4 %, obtained with hardwood after heating for 30 min at 185-190-degrees-C with 70% aqueous alcohol (ethanol or butanol). As e xpected, delignification of the softwood is more difficult and under o ur best conditions a pulp yield of 55-67%, with a residual lignin cont ent of 17-18%, was obtained after heating for 30 min at 185-190-degree s-C with the same solvent systems.