Question

Chemical pulping mostly uses which of the following chemical?

(a) Sodium Nitrate

(b) Potassium Hydroxide

(c) Calcium Carbonate

(d) Sodium Hydroxide

The question was asked in class test.

Asked question is from Chemical Pulping & Semichemical Pulp topic in section Paper and Paper Based Packaging Materials of Food Packaging Technology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) Sodium Hydroxide

The explanation is: All chemical pulping methods are based, either directly or indirectly, on the use of sodium hydroxide.  The chemical is selectively chosen, because, the nature of the pulping chemicals influences the properties of the residual lignin and the residual carbohydrates.