A process for producing high bulk cellulosic fiber exhibiting a durable elevated
curl index includes: (a) concurrently heat treating and convolving cellulosic fiber
pulp at elevated temperature and pressure at high consistency under conditions
selected so as to preclude substantial fibrillation and attendant paper strength
and fiber bonding development; and (b) recovering the pulp wherein the length weighted
curl index of the treated fiber is at least about 20% higher than the length weighted
curl index of the fiber prior to the heat treatment and convolving thereof. The
curl imparted to the fiber persists upon treatment for 30 minutes in a laboratory
disintegrator at 3000 rpm at 1% consistency at a temperature of 125 F. Moreover,
the curl may be imparted to the fiber in a disk refiner at very short residence
times, on the order of several seconds or less. In general, the process is carried
out in the presence of saturated steam at a pressure of from about 5 to about 150 psig.
