Refining Energy Reduction and Pulp Characteristic Modification of Alkaline Peroxide Mechanical Pulp (APMP) Through Enzyme Application

Abstract

Eucalyptus wood chips were subjected to impregnation with various blends of novel fiber modify-ing enzymes before chemical pretreatment and two stages of refining using the preconditioning refiner chemical–alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (PRC-APMP) process. Wood chip impregnation and pulp processing was con-ducted at a pilot plant in the United States. When compared under constant chemical application and at a constant 350 mL CSF, enzyme treatment reduced specific refining energy by at least 24%. The effect of one versus two stages of impregnation and of enzyme action upon several physical pulp properties was determined.