Abstract: A process for the continuous mass-production of chemical pulp from cellulose raw materials without adversely affecting the environment involves digesting the cellulose raw materials at 130.degree. to 200.degree. C. with a cooking liquor containing an alkali, hydrogen peroxide, a chelating agent, an anthraquinone and water. A pulp waste liquor and unbleached pulp are obtained by subjecting the digested cellulose raw materials to solid-liquid separation. The pulp waste liquor is concentrated and burned to obtain an alkali metal carbonate. Calcium oxide is added, if necessary, to the aqueous solution of sodium or/and potassium carbonate for causticization, and hydrogen peroxide, a chelating agent, and an anthraquinone are added to the alkali solution to regenerate the cooking liquor.

Abstract: A process for the production of a pulp from bast fibers, which includes reacting a mixture of the bast fibers and an aqueous digestion liquid at a temperature of 60.degree.-130.degree. C. The digestion liquid includes (a) hydrogen peroxide or a compound capable of generating hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water, (b) an alkali metal carbonate, and (c) an oxalate.

Abstract: A water-absorbent excellent in water-holding capacity under pressure, which comprises a cotton-like material A manufactured by a pulping treatment of bagasse containing pith and having a lignin content of at least 5% by weight and a cotton-like fibers B having a lignin content of not greater than 5% by weight. This water-absorbent is suitable as a sanitary material for manufacturing diapers, hygienic napkins or tampons.