effect of dispersion and bleaching on the mechanical and optical properties of deinked recycled pulp

In this study the effects of oxidative bleaching and mechanical dispersion in different conditions on the optical and mechanical properties of deinked recycled pulp was investigated. Industrial deinked pulp was treated in the different conditions, including dispersion, combined oxidative bleaching during dispersion, and separate dispersion and then oxidative bleaching. Handsheet papers were made from obtained pulps and then scanned and taken photos were analyzed by Digimizer software, version 4.1.1.0 to analysis spot content. Optical and mechanical properties of obtained handsheets were determined and compared. Results indicated that mechanical dispersion decreased spot content and brightness and increased yellowing of the handsheets. Moreover, mechanical dispersion increased dry and wet tensile and burst strengths, water retention value (WRV), ash content and decreased tear strength of handsheet papers. This study revealed that combined dispersing and oxidative bleaching of de-inked pulp provided superior results in comparison to the separate dispersing and oxidative bleaching.