Effect of Xylanase Pretreatment on the Kraft Pulping of Poplar

This study aimed to determine the influence of prehydrolysis of wood chips on the kraft pulping of Populus x euramericana. Optimum cooking conditions were determined by evaluating different alkali concentrations and cooking periods. Xylanase was used to hydrolyze chips before cooking. Prehydrolysis process increased the yield and viscosity of pulp. Consequently, the mechanical properties of paper changed remarkably. In contrast, the optical properties of the unbleached kraft pulp declined due to lignin content.

Automated summary

Prehydrolysis of wood chips before kraft pulping can increase pulp yield and viscosity, leading to improved mechanical properties of paper, but optical properties of unbleached kraft pulp may decline due to lignin content.