Careers in Chemistry
Pulp and Paper Chemistry
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A chemistry degree is a good foundation for a career in the pulp and paper industry. However, there are advantages of having knowledge of other fields as well, such as: chemical and mechanical engineering, microbiology, and business. |
What do pulp and paper chemists do?
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An entry level
chemist would spend most of his time in the lab. Meg Watters, of Arizona's
Chemical Development Lab of Florida, explains "I spend a lot of time running
reactions and polymerizing resins such as maleic-modified rosin esters. I
analyze these products at different temperatures to determine their
viscosity and flow characteristics in order to develop a resin for a
particular application or industry." However, this is only one example as to what the pulp and paper chemist study. Martin Hubbe, a senior research chemist at International Paper, is responsible for the coordination of the quality of paper produced at International Paper mills. He ensures all of the colored paper produced at each plant is identical in quality. Paper making processes were different, some were made by alkaline processes, and others were made by acid processes. When using different processes, the dyes may take to the paper in different consistencies. |
But, the pulp and paper chemistry is continually changing...
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"Paper making
is changing rapidly, concern about environmental impact is changing some of
the chemical processes and the chemistry used in paper-making. A lot of new
emphases are on recycling and de-inking technologies."
-Martin Hubbe, senior research scientist at International Paper |
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References:
www.induscoenviro.com/pulp_and_paper.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/forest_based/pulp_en.html#graph
Prepared by: Gayle Nichols