Application of ESR spectroscopy in bleaching studies

In this study several pulp components were characterized by ESR spectroscopy. Free radicals present in the pulp lignin gave a well-defined signal, and the residual lignin content during a bleaching sequence could be followed using this technique. Organic radicals on the pulp carbohydrates were also detected and could be related to the formation of chromophore structures in pulp. Further, ESR spectroscopy made it possible to characterize several transition metal ions in pulp. Special attention was paid to metal retention and the impact of a sodium borohydride treatment, and the formation and evolution of complexes between metal ions and pulp components was scrutinized.