Graff "C" stain
Description
A chemical stain used for general analysis of paper fibers using optical microscopy. The stain can help distinguish common pulping methods and fibers due to the range of colors presented. Stain color can range from vivid yellow with high Lignin pulps such as Mechanical wood pulp, to red with high Alpha cellulose pulps such as Cotton. "C" stain is a solution prepared from aluminum chloride, Calcium chloride, Zinc chloride, and Potassium iodide. "C" stain can be used as a spot test for the presence of lignin.
Synonyms and Related Terms
"C" Stain
Other Properties
When used for fiber analysis, "C" stain will create a vivid yellow color when used on pulps that are high in lignin. With decreasing amounts of lignin (increased cooking of pulp), the degree of yellow will decrease to greenish yellow or brown/yellow. Bleaching will result in a reddish tint that becomes more pronounced with increased bleaching. Pulps that are high in alpha cellulose and free from lignin will stain bright red. The red tones can be difficult to see in hardwood pulps. Some specific fibers can produce additional colors. "C" stain will permanently discolor fibers, but diagnostic colors are temporary and will darken with oxidation.
Additional Images
Softwood unbleached kraft fibers stained with Graff "C" stain
Softwood groundwood pulp stained with Graff "C" Stain
Softwood bleached sulfite fibers stained with Graff "C" Stain
Authority
- J. H. Graff "Color Atlas for Fiber Identification" The Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, WI, 1940.
- TAPPI Official Standard T401 om-08. Fiber analysis of paper and paperboard. 2008. http://www.tappi.org/Downloads/Test-Methods/UNTITLED-0104T401pdf.aspx