TMP FIBER AND FINES QUALITIES OF 13 RADIATA PINE WOOD TYPES

The fibre and fines properties of TMP made from 13 radiata pine wood t ypes with double and/or single disc refiners are related to kraft fibr e and TMP quality. TMP+14 and +30 fraction fibre properties of length and coarseness can be predicted from those of corresponding kraft pulp s. Fines, short fibre fragment and fibrillation qualities of TMP to a large extent determine handsheet light scattering and banding properti es. High proportions of particulate fines with slender, short fibres o f low coarseness form handsheets with high packing densities, open sur faces and good light scattering properties. High proportions of fibril ar fines with large long fibres of high coarseness form handsheets wit h closed and bonded surfaces and low light scattering properties. TMP rich in coarse fibrillar fines with large fibres or high collapse pote ntial form handsheets with closed and bonded surfaces of high micro ro ughness, and good light scattering properties. Double disc refining ca n give more fibre damage fibrillar fines which are more coarse, and im proved handsheet light scattering properties, compared with single dis c refining.