Targeted modification of fibre surface properties

The properties of fibre products are determined by the physical and chemical properties of the fibres and the chemical additives used in the processing. The fibre surface chemistry has a profound influence on the binding properties of fibres. Attempts to modify fibre properties by chemical or physical grafting of cellulose and lignin by radical reactions started already in 1940's. Bonding of chemical components to lignocellulosic fibre materials can currently be carried out by chemical, enzymatic and chemo-enzymatic functionalisation methods. The benefit of enzyme-based methods over purely chemical methods is in their surface specificity and in the preservation of important chemical and physical fibre properties, such as strength. Enzymes alone or in combination with chemical or mechanical treatments have a significant potential in fibre modification. The general targets of fibre modification are to improve the processing of fibres in pulping and papermaking or to improve the properties of the final product. By fibre modification the current properties can be improved or completely new, tailor made properties can be created to the fibres. The real challenge for commercial successes is to identify superior enzymes and their applications and at the same time to keep the enzyme treatment cost in an acceptable level.