Abstract
The effects of enzymatic treatment of recycled fiber were investigated to obtain the basic informations which can be used to improve the papermaking properties of recycled fiber. The recycled fibers were prepared by the repeated handsheet making and disintegrating of hardwood of hardwood and softwood kraft pulp. Novozym 342, Dinimax and Pulpzyme HC were used for enzymatic treatment. The change of fiber length distribution, freeness, contact angle and crystallinity of pulp were measured. The brightness, opacity, breaking and tear index of paper were also measured. The enzymatic treatment decreased long fiber fraction of recycled hardwood fiber, but increased long fiber fraction of recycled softwood fiber. Freeness was decreased with 0.1% enzyme and then increased again with the increase of th enzyme dosage. The improvement of flexibility of recycled fiber was obtained through the decrease of contact angle that is resulted from the decrease of crystallinity of fiber. Brightness and opacity were affected by the type of pulp and enzyme, and dosage of enzyme. Breaking length of recycled hardwood fiber was improved with enzyme treatment, but breaking length of recycled softwood fiber was decreased except for 0.01% Pulpzyme treatment. Tear index was decreased with enzymatic treatment and the lowest decrease was observed with the treatment to Pulpzyme.
