Formamide and dimethylformamide and their effects on bagasse dissolving pulps

The presence of highly polar aprotic solvents, formamide and dimethylformamide, during pulping and bleaching of bagasse pulp resulted in higher alpha-cellulose, more open and accessible fine structure and better chemical reactivity. Reducing the time of pulping or bleaching in the absence of formamide and dimethylformamide resulted in an unfavourable effect on the alpha-cellulose content, however, in the presence of formamide or dimethylformamide this drawback was overcome. Moreover, the pulps obtained were characterized by improved chemical reactivity.