Action of Xylanases on Chemical Pulp Fibers Part II : Enzymatic Beating

Abstract

Two chemical bleached pulps were treated with a crude enzyme mixture in the presence of HgCI₂, (1 mM). Such treatment inhibited endo-cellulases. Xylans were- thus subjected to selective in-situ hydrolysis. The enzyme-treated pulps car. be compared to slightly beaten pulps. The modified fibers show external fibrillation and reveal strong beatability. Therefore, a decrease in energy demand can be gained in the papermaking process. A reduction of fiber intrinsic strength is, however, observed mainly due to the hydrolysis of xylan macromolecules which confirms their important role in fiber wall cohesion.