The pulp and paper industry has long stood as one of the pillars of industrial innovation, sustainability, and material science. With growing emphasis on eco-friendly production and sustainable resource utilization, the need for a comprehensive academic resource has never been greater. Addressing this vital demand, Dr. Hrusikesh Banichul presents his latest scholarly contribution — Pulp and Paper Technology — an authoritative and exhaustive reference for students, researchers, and professionals in the field.
This book offers a systematic and integrative exploration of pulp and paper science, combining the fundamental chemistry of raw materials with modern industrial applications and technological advancements. It is structured to serve as both a textbook and a professional reference, ensuring that readers gain a balanced understanding of theory, process, and practice.
The journey begins with a well-articulated introduction to the history, classification, and chemical composition of paper and paperboard, laying a clear foundation for further exploration. Dr. Banichul delves deeply into the structural and chemical constituents of wood, namely cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives, explaining their individual and collective roles in the pulping and papermaking process. His lucid discussion of wood anatomy and its influence on process behavior helps readers appreciate how raw materials determine product quality and efficiency.
The subsequent sections of the book provide a comprehensive treatment of pulping technologies, including both traditional and modern methods. Detailed chapters on chemical pulping processes such as sulphite and kraft pulping, along with their reaction chemistry, process variables, and technological innovations, make this text a valuable resource for understanding industrial-scale operations. The author also covers chemical recovery systems, black liquor processing, and recausticizing, offering insights into alternative recovery technologies and sustainable utilization of lignin by-products — an area of immense relevance to the industry’s environmental goals.
Moving further, the book systematically examines pulp washing, screening, and cleaning operations, emphasizing the critical role these processes play in determining fiber quality and production efficiency. The in-depth discussion on bleaching chemistry — from conventional agents to advanced eco-friendly methods — showcases the author’s commitment to sustainable practices. Equally significant are the sections on stock preparation, chemical additives, fillers, dyes, and sizing systems, which illustrate the fine balance between process chemistry and paper quality enhancement.
Written in a clear, student-friendly manner, Pulp and Paper Technology seamlessly blends academic rigor with industrial relevance. It caters not only to undergraduate and postgraduate students of chemical science and engineering, but also to researchers, analysts, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of pulp and paper manufacturing technologies.
At the heart of this work is Dr. Hrusikesh Banichul’s vast interdisciplinary experience spanning over 15 years in academic, industrial, and applied R&D environments. A Ph.D. from IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, Dr. Banichul’s career reflects a remarkable synthesis of scientific innovation and sustainable industrial practice. His deep expertise in green chemistry, catalysis, and process development underlines his dedication to advancing cleaner, more efficient industrial processes.
In essence, Pulp and Paper Technology is more than a textbook — it is a gateway to understanding the science, technology, and sustainability that drive one of the world’s most essential industries. For readers passionate about the future of chemical and materials technology, this book promises to be an indispensable companion.