Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Domtar Inc. is one of the largest producers of uncoated free sheet in the world and one of the main paper grade pulp producers in North America. Domtar has developed and patented a specific pulp with a high hydrodynamic specific surface area, with minimal loss in fiber length and lower fines production. The Surface Enhanced Pulp Fiber (SEPF) was previously studied in Innofibre and demonstrated the pulp potential as paper reinforcement when added in other paper grade. The pulp dewatering capacity limits its production and commercialization. After dewatering and re-pulping, the pulp properties are affected, and the potential use of pulp significantly decreased. This project will able to understand the dewatering effect on the pulp at laboratory scale dewatering involving mechanical water removing and dehydration by heat transfer. Optimization of pilot scale dewatering technologies using experimental designs will then give needed information to Domtar to implant the most beneficial dewatering system adapted to SEPF. Therefore, Domtar will be able to further develop the SEPF use and commercialization and to remain a pulp manufacturer leader in Canada, North America and in the world.