Enzymatic-mechanical pulping of bast fibers from flax and hemp

• A technique for pulping of bast fibers of flax (Linum usitatissimum) and hemp (Cannabis sativa), based on treatment with cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzymes has been developed. Initially the bast fibers were mechanically separated from shieves and subjected to washing with diluted acid, followed by enzyme treatment, an alkaline hydrogen peroxide bleaching step that also inactivated the enzymes, and finally beating in a laboratory beater. Brightness, dewatering and strength of handsheets were comparable with the traditionally-made pulps. Fibers not treated with enzymes could not be beaten. The main pulping effect is related to cellulases, but the presence of pectinases influenced both brightness and strength properties.

Nyckelord

biotechnology

flax

hemp

mechanical pulping

cellulase

pectinase

cell-wall

cellulase

industry

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)