Dissolution and dispersion of spruce wood components into hot water

The dissolution and dispersion of components from Norway spruce (Picea abies) wood were examined in laboratory experiments to determine the factors influencing variations in dissolved and colloidal substances in mechanical pulp suspensions. Finely ground, fresh spruce wood was suspended in water at 90 °C and was agitated intensively for up to 12 h, after which the concentrations of dissolved and dispersed lipophilic extractives, lignans, carbohydrates and lignins were determined. Sapwood and heartwood were studied separately. Effects of pH and added electrolytes on the dissolution and dispersion of wood components were also investigated.