Researchers from Perm National Research Polytechnic University have advanced the method for processing waste paper and solid wood residues, achieving a simpler, cheaper, and more efficient approach. The university’s communications outline this improvement as part of ongoing efforts to optimize recycling technologies and reduce environmental impact.
The upgraded treatment of waste wood involves breaking the material into fibers under a low-water or waterless regime. Printing ink is separated from the fibrous suspension, followed by multi-stage classification and purification using a range of specialized devices. This sequence helps to isolate fibers effectively while removing contaminants that can affect feedstock quality for downstream applications.
A key element of the reform is a modern scheme for preparing waste pulp that employs an aerodynamic disperser. This device is capable of shredding and sorting recyclable materials concurrently, with a particular focus on efficiently removing plastics and other impurities that would otherwise degrade fiber quality. By enabling separation without immersion in water, the disperser also reduces the loss of fine fibers by roughly half compared with traditional hydro-based processes, preserving valuable material and lowering waste.
In operation, waste paper is dissolved in an air-dried state inside the disperser. The configuration earns a three-in-one designation because dissolution occurs through a separation process where large contaminants such as adhesive tape, staples, films, and other mechanical impurities are separated within the unit and periodically removed. As air flows through the system, lighter impurities such as fibrous dust and ink particles are carried away, while the principal fiber portion remains intact in the suspension.
According to Firdaves Khakimova, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Professor in the Department of Polymer Technology Materials and Propellants at Perm National Research Polytechnic University, these observations were reported to a primary news outlet. Tests indicate an improvement in whiteness during processing: conventional dissolution yielded a whiteness around 45.5 percent, while the disperser-based method reached about 50 percent by removing the fine ink particles carried by the air stream.
Additional notes from the study point to progress in strengthening unit protection against hydrogen corrosion. This line of development aligns with broader efforts by Russian researchers to improve equipment durability in challenging operating environments. The overall aim is to deliver more reliable, cost-effective recycling solutions that can be deployed in industrial settings while maintaining high product quality and lower environmental footprint.
These developments contribute to a growing body of work focused on sustainable materials processing. By refining fiber recovery, reducing water usage, and enhancing impurity removal, the approach supports both ecological goals and economic efficiency. The research also underscores the importance of integrating advanced mechanical separations with controlled air flow to achieve improved material integrity and performance in subsequent processing stages.
In summary, the Perm National Research Polytechnic University initiative demonstrates a practical pathway to cleaner, more efficient recycling of paper and wood-based wastes. The approach combines reduced water dependence, enhanced impurity removal, and increased fiber yield, with additional strides in equipment durability. The findings reflect an emerging trend toward lighter, more resilient recycling methods that can be adopted across industries seeking to optimize resource use and minimize waste streams without compromising product quality.
Source notes indicate that the information originates from the PNIPU press service and is periodically shared with national media outlets for broader dissemination.