Abstract
The properties of fibre material used in papermaking are currently
modified by different mechanical and chemical processing steps in the pulp
mill. In the paper mill, various paper chemicals and papermaking process
solutions are further used to design the quality of the paper product. An
interesting option for fibre modification is the targeted functionalisation of
fibre surfaces via enzymatic radicalisation by oxidative enzymes. In
principle, cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin can be the target polymers
through which the functional component can be bound to the fibre material.
Currently, one of the most promising chemo-enzymatic methods is based on the
use of lignin as bonding matrix for designed attachment of novel functional
groups to pulp. By functionalisation the already existing valuable properties
of fibres could be fortified. Functionalisation could also be used introduce
entirely new properties to fibres, leading to various options for using wood
fibres in completely new application areas. Combination of chemo-enzymatic
functionalisation with papermaking chemistry could give benefits in
papermaking prosessing. Therefore, the effects of functionalisation of
mechanical pulps on fibre properties, papermaking chemistry and processing
were investigated. Factors including pulp type, laccase origin and dosage
affecting the functionalisation efficiency were also elucidated. Both inherent
fibre properties, such as charge, and completely novel properties, such as
hydrophobicity, could be brought to fibres by chemo-enzymatic
functionalisation. In addition, promising results in papermaking properties of
pulps were obtained when combining chemo-enzymatic functionalisation and
papermaking chemistry.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 10th International Conference on Biotechnology in the Pulp and Paper Industry |
| Subtitle of host publication | Book of Abstracts: EnzMod 2.3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |