Break down pulp, also known as dissolving grade pulp, is a type of wood pulp which is mainly used as raw material for production of other derivative products like cellulose derivatives, plastics, and rayon. It finds extensive application in different areas like pharmaceuticals, foods & beverages, textiles, coatings & composites among others. The specialty pulps suitable for dissolving purposes have high purity levels without any mechanical impurities.

Production Process of Dissolving Pulp

Break down Dissolving Pulp are manufactured through chemical pulping process where wood chips are broken down into individual wood fibres using strong alkalis and chemicals. The two predominant pulping methods utilized are the kraft process and sulfite process. In kraft pulping, a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide is used whereas sulfurous acid is employed in sulfite process. The pulp produced through these methods has high alpha-cellulose content of over 90% making it readily soluble. Specialized refining is also done to ensure uniform fibre properties required as per end applications.

Applications in Textiles

One of the major applications of break down pulp is in production of man-made cellulosic fibres like viscose rayon and lyocell. These fibres find extensive usage in textiles and apparel. Rayon formed from wood pulp is used to manufacture fabrics, linings, suits, dresses, shirts etc. Lyocell is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly fibre used in clothing, home textiles and medical textiles. Break down pulp based fibres offer advantages like good absorbency, texture and appearance similar to cotton.

Usage in Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on cellulose derivatives obtained from break down pulp. Key products manufactured are sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). SCMC finds application as a thickening agent and binder in tablets and capsules. HPMC acts as disintegrant, binder and coating agent. MCC is used as a diluent and bulking agent in pharmaceutical formulations. Break down pulp ensures high purity levels beneficial for direct usage in medicines and healthcare products.

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