Sulfonated aspen pulps. I: Effect of vapour phase cooking temperature on the fiber structure

Sulfonation reaction of aspen wood was carried out both under conventional and steam explosion conditions. The effects of the different treatments on the structure and morphology of the material were evaluated by chemical analysis scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Remarkable modifications were induced under steam explosion conditions and concerning the primary structure of both hemicelluloses and lignin components, while modifications of the cellulose component involved its secundary and ternary structure.