Chemo-enzymatic hydrophobisation of lignocellulosic fibres

Anna Suurnäkki, Stina Grönqvist, Hannu Mikkonen, Marco Orlandi, Liisa Viikari

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference articleScientific

    Abstract

    Upgrading of lignocellulosic fibre materials to enhance the value or properties of traditional fibre products and to create new applications for fibres is a constant challenge for the fibre producing industry. The presence of surface lignin in pulp fibres offers an interesting possibility to the use oxidative enzymes such as laccases in targeted modification of lignin-rich pulps. Using the novel chemo-enzymatic functionalisation method the enzymatic radical formation is exploited for fibre activation and further bonding of new, desired chemical components to the fibre material. Knowledge on the functionalisation mechanisms and the factors affecting the functionalisation of lignin-rich fibres has been generated in order to fully exploit the potential of this novel chemo-enzymatic functionalisation method. Hydrophobisation of wood pulp fibres, now being carried out successfully by the chemo-enzymatic functionalisation method, is one example of the potential modification of fibre materials. Targeted design of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of wood fibres opens up novel options both for current and novel industrial lignocellulosic fibre applications.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 2007
    MoE publication typeNot Eligible
    EventItalic 4 - Science & Technology of Biomass: Advances and Challenges - Rome, Italy
    Duration: 8 May 200710 May 2007

    Conference

    ConferenceItalic 4 - Science & Technology of Biomass
    Country/TerritoryItaly
    CityRome
    Period8/05/0710/05/07

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