Use of enzymes in modification of fibres for improved beatability

The effectiveness of several commercial enzymes has been evaluated for energy savings in beating and refining. A number of unbleached kraft pulps viz. softwood, bamboo and mixed pulp (60% waste corrugated kraft cuttings and 40% unbleached softwood pulp) were treated with the enzymes. With softwood pulp, the maximum reduction in beating time was found to be 25% in the case of hemicellulase ‘Amano’ 90 whereas in the case of Bleachzyme F, Irgazyme 40S, Pulpzyme HC and Cartazyme HS 10, the reduction in beating time was of the order of 17–22%. The enzyme-treated pulp retained the required strength properties except in the case of hemicellulase ‘Amano’ 90, where the strength properties of the pulp were slightly affected. With bamboo pulp and mixed pulp, treatment with Bleachzyme F and hemicellulase ‘Amano’ 90, reduced the beating time by about 18% and 15%, respectively. The strength properties of the pulp were not found to be affected.