Effects of enzymatic treatment and refining on the properties of recycled pulp

Abstract

The effect of refining and enzymatic treatment on secondary fibre properties is shown. The following treatment sequences were studied: (i) refining; (ii) refining + enzymatic treatment; (iii) enzymatic treatment + refining; (iv) enzymatic treatment. The effectiveness of the methods was evaluated by measuring physical and mechanical properties of pulp and paper (drainage rate, burst, tensile and tear indexes). The obtained data revealed that combined refining and enzymatic treatment can be considered as a valuable methodology to upgrade recycled pulps. The first is responsible for increasing burst and tensile resistance. The second, if developed under controlled conditions, alloes better drainage, with only slight variation on paper mechanical properties.