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2026 Vol.58, Issue 1

Review

Navigating the Energy-Quality Trade-Off of Refining Process in Stock Preparation: Fundamentals, Mechanisms, and Technological Advances in Refining (Part I)
Chul-Hwan Kim1†
1Department of Forest Products, IALS, Gyeongsang National University, Professor
†Corresponding Author: E-mail: jameskim@gnu.ac.kr (Address: Department of Forest Products, IALS, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea)
28 February 2026. pp. 5-22
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Abstract

Refining is a critical, energy-intensive process that fundamentally determines fiber properties and paper quality. This review—the first in a two-part series—establishes a technical foundation for understanding refining mechanisms, equipment configurations, and plate technologies. It analyzes the mechanical transformation of wood fibers through fibrillation and shortening, focusing on how refiner geometry and the four-stage treatment cycle (capture, impact, compression, and relaxation) govern freeness and strength development. Key advancements are highlighted, including vertical bar designs and high-performance alloys that extend service life by 30–50% while improving energy efficiency. By correlating plate engineering with morphological changes via SEM microscopy, this work provides the groundwork for Part II’s focus on refining theories and operational optimization to resolve the energy-quality paradox.

Keywords
Pulp refining
fiber development mechanisms
fibrillation
refiner plates
bar geometry
vertical bar technology
energy efficiency
sustainable papermaking
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Information
  • Publisher :Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국펄프종이공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korea TAPPI
  • Journal Title(Ko) :펄프종이기술
  • Volume : 58
  • No :1
  • Pages :5-22
  • Received Date : 2026-01-23
  • Revised Date : 2026-02-09
  • Accepted Date : 2026-02-09
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7584/JKTAPPI.2026.2.58.1.5
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