[Bmim]HSO4 functions as a poor homogeneous solvent for kraft wood pulp achieving a low degree of equilibrium swelling (10–20%) compared to that in water.
The competition of swelling and hydrolysis of kraft wood pulp in aqueous [Bmim]HSO4 is mostly governed by temperature.
At 120 °C swelling and hydrolysis of kraft wood pulp in aqueous [Bmim]HSO4 becomes significant.
The kinetic model reveals that water plays an important role at 120 °C by enhancing accessibility of weak links to hydrolysis.