Correlation Between Fock Reactivity and Intrinsic Viscosity of Dissolving Pulp During Cellulase Treatment

Abstract

Cellulase treatment is an effective approach to upgrade dissolving pulp in a natural friendly way. In this study, a comprehensive experiment was conducted to understand the correlation of Fock reactivity increase and intrinsic viscosity decrease during cellulase treatment by varying cellulase charge and treatment time. Results showed that the Fock reactivity and intrinsic viscosity were improved simultaneously, which was caused by the cellulose chain scission. Two phases consisting of an initial fast phase and a second slow phase were identified for the improvement process, which was attributed to the varied recalcitrance of crystalline and amorphous regions of cellulose. A modeling between Fock reactivity and intrinsic viscosity was developed based on Ln S (natural logarithm of cellulose chain scission number). It can be used for prediction and controlling of cellulase treatment of dissolving pulp.