Enzymatic Modification of Paper Fibres

Abstract

The enzymatic mode of action in paper fibre upgrading is still uncertain. In an attempt to clarify how enzymes modify pulp and paper properties, several parameters were analysed in the present work: (i) thermal analysis of the water -solid surface interactions; (ii) fibre cake permeability; (iii) particle size analysis. The results obtained suggest that enzymes modify the interfacial properties of fibres, increasing the water affinity, which in turn change the technical properties of pulp and paper, such as drainability and strength. The modification of paper and pulps following a treatment with cellulosebinding domains further supports this hypothesis.

Cellulase-assisted refining of chemical pulps: Impact of enzymatic charge and refining intensity on energy consumption and pulp quality

“…Such a treatment was also tested on Simao pine bleached kraft pulp [17], hardwood kraft pulp [15,18] or bamboo pulp [19,20] and induced some potential savings in beating. This was consistent with observation from Pala et al [21] who suggested that enzymes modified the surface properties of fibres, increasing the water affinity.…”

Practical screening of purified cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases with α-cellulose and specification of hydrodynamics

“…XRD patterns were obtained using Cu Kα radiation, a diffraction angle 2 θ from 10° to 30° (step size of 0.02°) and a counting time of 2 s. The CrI was calculated using the equation CrI [%] = ( I 002 - I AM )/ I 002 × 100, where I 002 is the maximum intensity of the crystalline plane (002) reflection (2 θ = 22.5°) and I AM is the intensity of the scattering for the amorphous component at about 18° in cellulose-I [36]. Different CrI values for Sigmacell 101 can be found in the literature [37,38]. This may be explained by the varying quality of cellulose depending on batches and production location [39].…”

Use of enzymes to improve the refining of a bleached Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulp

“…The recycling of paper is an area where the use of enzymes has been implemented, seeing that the recycled fibres' properties can be improved by treatment with cellulases and hemicellulases. In fact, these enzymes modify the interfacial properties of fibres, increasing the affinity for water, which in turn promotes changes in the technical properties of the pulp and paper, such as pulp drainability and paper strength [1][2][3]. These enzymes are also used for upgrading secondary fibres' deinking [4].…”